Payson, Ariz. - The Arizona Corporation Commission approved the following resolution during the recent Wildfire Mitigation Town Hall  in Payson on May 15, 2025, by a vote of 3-0; with Chair Kevin Thompson, Vice Chair Nick Myers, and Commissioner Rachel Walden in attendance and supporting the resolution.

 Resolution: Commemorating National Wildfire Awareness Month – May 2025

Before the Arizona Corporation Commission in a Special Open Meeting in Payson, Arizona

Be it resolved by the Arizona Corporation Commission:

WHEREAS, the State of Arizona faces significant wildfire threats annually, particularly in the wildland-urban interface areas, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard communities, electric and other infrastructure, and natural resources;

WHEREAS, the Arizona Corporation Commission recognizes the critical importance of wildfire preparedness and wildfire mitigation, especially concerning the state’s utility infrastructure;

WHEREAS, in April 2024, Commissioner Nick Myers in collaboration with Representative Selina Bliss (LD-1), hosted a Wildfire Mitigation Town Hall in Prescott Valley, Arizona, bringing together over 100 participants, including representatives from Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), Tucson Electric Power (TEP), UniSource Energy Services, and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, to discuss wildfire mitigation efforts and new programs;

WHEREAS, the Commission annually conducts workshops focused on summer preparedness, including the development and implementation of wildfire mitigation strategies by utilities, including vegetation management and the introduction of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) protocols during high-risk conditions;

WHEREAS, the Commission has now held a special meeting in Payson, Arizona, on May 15, 2025, to discuss wildfire mitigation and gather expert opinion and public comment on wildfire risks and mitigation efforts;

WHEREAS, Payson, Arizona is primarily surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, the largest national forest in Arizona, and is proximate to the Coconino National Forest, and the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park; and because of this known topography, wildfire risks are substantially higher in Payson than in many other parts of Arizona;

WHEREAS, Payson, Arizona has had forest fires in the past, including the Horton Fire, the West Fire, and the Preacher Fire;

WHEREAS, May 2025 is National Wildfire Awareness Month;  

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Arizona Corporation Commission hereby commemorates the month of May 2025 as National Wildfire Awareness Month, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing wildfire resilience through community engagement, regulatory oversight, and collaboration with utilities and stakeholders;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Arizona Corporation Commission encourages continued participation in wildfire preparedness initiatives, including town halls, workshops, and the development of comprehensive mitigation plans, to protect Arizona’s communities and natural landscapes from the devastating impacts of wildfires.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution shall be posted on the Commission’s website and released to the public via the Commission’s PIO, and a copy served on the Arizona Senate President and the Arizona House Speaker.

Adopted this 15th day of May, 2025, by a vote of 3 to 0.

Arizona Corporation Commission

Payson, Arizona

The resolution can be found by going to https://edocket.azcc.gov/ and entering Docket No. AU-00000A-25-0027 or AU-99999A-25-0004.