It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached the end of February! This winter has been unusual, with very little snow or even rain. Given the recent fires in California and our own lack of moisture, the Northern Arizona Association of Realtors invited Paul Oltrogge, Wildland Fire Battalion Chief, to speak at our quarterly luncheon.
Chief Oltrogge provided valuable insights into the health of our forests and the role of fire in maintaining Ponderosa forests. Historically, these forests rely on periodic fires to support their growth and overall health. He shared a striking comparison of forest service lands from the early 1900s and today—older photos show fewer, well-spaced trees, while current images reveal dense clusters of closely packed trees.
Chief Oltrogge also discussed the ongoing efforts of Wildland Fire Management, including prescribed burns and forest thinning, to reduce fire risks. He emphasized how our community can contribute to fire prevention and preparedness. The Wildland Fire Action Guide offers practical tips to help keep your home and neighborhood fire-safe.
This is also a great time to review your home insurance policy. Some policies cover single-home fires caused by candles or grills but may not include damage from neighboring structures or wildfires. I’ve included a link to the National Association of Realtors’ Consumer Guide: Fire Damage and Policy Coverage for more details.
As always, I truly appreciate your real estate referrals. If you or anyone you know has questions about the Flagstaff market, I’m here to help!