APS serves 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties and is a leader in safely delivering reliable, affordable electricity in the Southwest. APS maintains a diverse range of energy resources, including nuclear from the Palo Verde Generating Station, natural gas, coal, solar, wind and energy storage – a mix that’s about 58% clean. With 140 years of experience serving Arizona, APS is the main subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).
Header
Wildfire Preparedness for APS Customers in Rural and Forested Communities
As summer approaches and dry conditions persist, wildfire risk is heightened across parts of the state. Arizona Public Service (APS) fire mitigation specialists, foresters and meteorologists are working to support customers in rural and forested communities by tracking weather patterns and preparing the energy grid to maintain reliable power.
“Reducing wildfire risk is a daily priority,” said Scott Bordenkircher, APS Director of Forestry and Fire Mitigation. “Our teams forecast weather and environmental factors, and we work closely with firefighters and emergency managers to make safety-focused and data-driven decisions. Our goal is to help protect you and keep the electricity you count on flowing, especially during extreme weather.”
For more than 10 years, APS has invested in efforts to reduce wildfire risk as part of a comprehensive wildfire mitigation program. Here is how customers benefit from our proactive planning:
- Detection: APS artificial intelligence (AI) smoke detection cameras are deployed to spot early signs of wildfires. APS AI cameras have detected smoke within minutes of initial burning, supporting firefighters in their efforts to contain fires quickly before getting close to homes, businesses and APS equipment.
- Monitoring: Meteorologists use advanced weather stations, high-definition cameras and modeling software to track and predict wildfire behavior.
- Maintenance: Certified arborists and foresters clear dry brush and grass from about 80,000 power poles and maintain roughly 80,000 trees each year — pruning branches and removing dead or dying trees near power lines to help keep power safe and reliable.
- Response: Fire mitigation experts with hotshot crew experience collaborate with fire authorities and first responders on emergency plans to support safety.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS): what to know and how to prepare
To help prevent wildfires and protect communities during extreme weather, APS may temporarily turn off power in certain limited, high fire-risk areas through a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). While this tool has not been used since its introduction in 2024, customers are encouraged to stay prepared, especially during hot and extremely dry conditions.
APS recently mailed and emailed PSPS information to customers served by power lines in potentially impacted areas. Please watch for these materials. If a PSPS is necessary, we plan to provide advance notice so affected customers have time to prepare. Targeted PSPS areas include communities in Coconino, Gila, Navajo, Pinal and Yavapai counties. Search addresses by visiting aps.com/psps and using the online map.
Get ready now:
- Create an online APS account at aps.com/login with a current cell phone number and email address to receive outage alerts or sign in to be sure your contact information is updated.
- If you rely on life-sustaining medical equipment requiring electricity, register for the APS Medical Care program at 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405. This notifies APS of your needs in the event of an outage.
- Build an emergency supply kit that includes items such as non-perishable food, a can opener, water, flashlights, batteries, a radio, a first aid kit and a portable cell phone charger.
- Form a support circle and develop a plan that includes emergency contacts. If you need to leave your home, identify a safe, comfortable and cool place to go.
- Remove weeds and overgrown plants or shrubs, trash and debris around your home.
- Learn how to manually open your electric garage door or security gates.
- If you have livestock, know your local resources and make an emergency plan for their care.
Collaboration with emergency managers
APS is partnering closely with emergency managers to support preparedness efforts. Customers are encouraged to sign up for their local county emergency notification system to receive timely alerts and information — an important step underscored by public safety officials:
City of Flagstaff
“Preparedness really comes down to working together as a community. In Flagstaff, we coordinate closely with APS and our regional partners, so when wildfire risk increases, people have clear information about what to expect,” said Daniel Kelly, City of Flagstaff Emergency Manager. “Taking a little time now to prepare for potential outages and staying connected to local alerts can make a big difference if conditions lead to a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).”
For City of Flagstaff disaster preparedness information, visit: connect.flagstaffaz.gov/be-ready.
Coconino County
“The mission of Coconino County Emergency Management is to protect lives, safeguard property and strengthen community resilience against disasters,” said Tim Carter, Coconino County Emergency Manager. “Through collaboration with partners such as APS, we support proactive measures — including comprehensive vegetation management and Public Safety Power Shutoff programs — that help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires in our communities.”
To register for Coconino County emergency alerts, visit: coconino.az.gov/ready.
Gila County
“As we head into wildfire season and periods of extreme heat, I urge every resident to take simple steps now. Know your risks, have a plan and be ready to act when conditions change,” said Carl Melford, Gila County Emergency Manager. “Power outages and fast-moving incidents can happen with little warning, but a prepared community is a resilient community.”
For emergency preparedness tips and to sign up for Gila County’s emergency alerts, visit: readygila.com.
Navajo County
“As the Navajo County Emergency Manager, I encourage our residents and visitors to be prepared for any emergency including wildfires. The first step is staying informed — sign up for the Ready Navajo County Alert System,” said Catrina Jenkins, Navajo County Emergency Manager.
Register for Navajo County emergency alerts by visiting: navajocountyaz.gov/ready.
Pinal County
“Our role is to help keep the community safe when wildfire risk is high,” said Kore Redden, Pinal County Emergency Manager. “We work closely with APS to ensure resources are ready and encourage residents in the Top of the World community within targeted Public Safety Power Shutoff areas to have a plan and essential items prepared. Keeping our community safe is a shared responsibility.”
Sign up for Pinal County emergency alerts by visiting: pinal.gov/pens.
Yavapai County
"True emergency management transcends agency boundaries; it is built on the strength of our private sector partnerships,” said Ashley Ahlquist, Yavapai County Emergency Manager. “Preparedness is a 'whole community' mission, and working alongside APS ensures that our local expertise is backed by their unique resources and reach. When we bridge the gap between public safety and private enterprise, we don’t just plan for disasters — we build a more resilient Arizona.”
To register for Yavapai County emergency alerts, visit: yavapaiready.gov.
By staying connected with both APS and local emergency management, customers can be better prepared and informed during potential power shutoffs and other emergency situations. Learn more about APS’s wildfire mitigation efforts at aps.com/wildfires or more about PSPS at aps.com/psps.
Related stories
6/7/2024
Summer preparedness: APS Crews Ready to Respond, Tips for Customers
Stay up to date with our social channels
Newsroom
View up to date news, articles and stories related to APS in the community.
Copyright © 2026 APS. All rights reserved.
