The Rim Country, which includes the area underneath the Mogollon Rim from Pine and Strawberry through Payson to Christopher Creek, is situated within the largest stand of beautiful Ponderosa Pine trees in the world. It is clear that within the beauty of this forest lies the possibility of a major disaster, in the form of uncontrollable forest fires. Pine has the distinction of being rated as one of the top ten areas in the country for the potential of catastrophic wildfire due to specific geological effects in Pine Creek Canyon and many of the largest wildfires in Arizona’s history have impacted this area.
We utilize a multi-pronged approach, involving public and private property, by working both in the Tonto National Forest fuel break and in the communities of Pine and Strawberry. While the majority of the funds we raise in the private sector go directly towards fuels reduction projects in the community, we also operate two very popular fundraising events specifically for the purpose of funding our Trails in the Fuel Break Project; Pine Trail Run and Fire on the Rim Mountain Bike Race. Various grants are also obtained to supplement funds available for both fuels reduction and trails projects.
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Our ability to live safely in this fire environment depends greatly on pre-fire activities taken by residents to protect lives and property. Pine Strawberry Fuel Reduction (PSFR) has a history of active participation in wildfire prevention programs and activities. Prior to its formation in 2004, there were very few wildfire mitigation efforts being made in this small community, or the area as a whole. At that time the local advice was to pack your favorite belongings beside your front door or in your car during fire season to ensure that you had them with you if you were required to evacuate during a catastrophic wildfire.
PSFR, originally an oversight committee for fuel reduction efforts in the community, was incorporated in 2007 as a 501-c-3 nonprofit community organization. Our focus has been to become the voice of the community and to help conceive and create new projects and innovations that would move Pine and Strawberry to the forefront within the state, if not the nation, as a community coming together to make our area a safer place to live.
Pine Strawberry Fuel Reduction, Inc. is a completely volunteer, nonprofit community organization and is dependent entirely upon private donations and grants for its operation. The relative cost of funding fire prevention programs and activities is certainly small in comparison with all that we stand to lose here in the Rim Country.
Our Mission
To reduce the risk of catastrophic fire in and around the Rim Country communities of Pine and Strawberry
Our Vision
To stimulate public understanding, acceptance, and the capacity to reduce fuel sources in and around the communities of Pine and Strawberry
Get Involved
Now that you know about us, we want to get to know you. Find out how you can get involved with our work today!
