~ Mesa, Arizona - The Mountain Bridge and Madrid communities in northeast Mesa have been officially recognized as FireWise communities for their efforts to reduce wildfire risks. This achievement was marked by a brief ceremony where city and Fire and Medical Department leaders unveiled a new sign.

According to Fire Chief Mary Cameli, wildfires are a common occurrence in the United States, and with the increasing number of people living in high-risk areas, it is crucial for residents to take necessary precautions. "While these fires will continue to happen, there are things residents can do to protect their homes, neighborhoods, and families," said Chief Cameli. "That's where the Firewise USA program comes in - helping neighborhoods harden their homes and create defensible space. Today, we are proud to add two communities in Mesa to this program."

Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman, who is also a retired Mesa Fire Captain Paramedic, emphasized the importance of preparation before an emergency strikes. "FireWise is a commitment to doing the hard work ahead of time so firefighters can respond more safely and effectively," said Mayor Freeman. "I'm proud of the leadership shown in Mountain Bridge and Madrid, and I will continue supporting efforts that strengthen partnerships between our residents and the Mesa Fire & Medical Department to protect lives across our city."

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The Mountain Bridge community began its FireWise journey in 2024 and has since made significant progress. In recent weeks, they have cleaned up over 10,000 pounds of debris from a neighborhood wash as part of their mitigation efforts. Community leaders have stated that this work is ongoing, and they are exploring grant funding opportunities to further strengthen their wildfire preparedness.

Similarly, after witnessing the devastating impact of the January 2025 Palisades Fire in California, residents in Madrid quickly mobilized. By February, they had signed up for the FireWise program and organized their first community clean-up event in March.

Councilmember Alicia Goforth, who represents District 5 where Mountain Bridge and Madrid are located, emphasized the importance of community-driven efforts in wildfire preparedness. "Wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility, and the FireWise designations for Mountain Bridge and Madrid show what's possible when neighbors work together," said Councilmember Goforth. "I'm grateful to everyone who put in the time and coordination to earn this recognition, and I want to thank the Mesa Fire and Medical Department staff for their active partnership and steady guidance. This is the kind of proactive, community-driven work that keeps District 5 and all of Mesa safe today and in years to come."

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In addition to community efforts, the Mesa Fire and Medical Department also utilizes advanced drone technology to assess vegetation surrounding communities. This technology provides crucial data such as moisture content, vegetation density, and overall plant health, which helps identify areas of concern and guide mitigation efforts.

Currently, Arizona has 212 FireWise communities, with approximately 55 in Maricopa County. Madrid and Mountain Bridge join Las Sendas as recognized FireWise communities in Mesa. The city continues to prioritize wildfire preparedness through partnerships with its residents and the use of innovative technology.

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