Northern Arizona University has received a $5 million grant from Governor Katie Hobbs to help fight wildfires around our state.
The Arizona Wildfire Initiative was launched in spring as a project through NAU's School of Forestry.
“I think NAU, in general, is excited about this whole opportunity to help head wildfire prevention and not just the research but the outreach portion of it too. To be able to reach our communities across the state and make a difference," said Annie Elko, assistant program manager for Arizona Wildfire Initiative.
Among its top priorities is to help all Arizonans understand the fires that break out in the Southwest, how to outsmart them, and how to help.
"What we really want to do is help make Arizona safer and be more prepared to deal with and live with wildfires," added Elko. "With the workforce development and education part, we are looking at what fire and forestry needs. So, we are creating more programs and classes at NAU that can be accessible to everyone. These could be for the public, for students who are getting degrees in this field to development training for professionals and city leaders"
Read more about the Arizona Wildfire Initiative here.
