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the Knolls
Star Valley

the Knolls Star Valleythe Knolls Star Valleythe Knolls Star Valley
  • Home
  • Property Owner Resources
  • Architectural (ACC)
  • Events
  • Meeting Agendas & Minutes
  • Fire Safety
  • Explore (maps and more)
  • Board of Directors
  • Contact Us

FIRE SAFETY

Fire Safety Committee Mission

To provide an evolving framework to the property owners of The Knolls to include updated and applicable information for wildland fire prevention and education to reduce potential wildfire threats to property owners and neighbors within the community. 


Tonto National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Begin May 15

The U.S. Forest Service has announced that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and an Emergency Recreational Shooting Order for the Tonto National Forest will go into effect on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. due to high fire danger conditions.

These restrictions apply to all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the Tonto National Forest and are expected to remain in effect through September 30, 2026, unless lifted earlier.

Restrictions Include:

  • No campfires, charcoal grills, or stove fires outside of Forest Service-provided fire structures in designated recreation areas. 
  • No smoking except inside an enclosed vehicle or building, at a recreation site, or in an area cleared of flammable materials. 
  • No recreational shooting, including discharge of firearms, air rifles, or gas guns. 

Exceptions

Certain exemptions apply, including:

  • Use of propane or LPG-fueled devices that can be turned on and off, when used safely in cleared areas. 
  • Law enforcement and firefighting personnel performing official duties. 
  • Individuals with a valid Forest Service permit exempting them from the order. 
  • Legal hunting activities conducted in accordance with state, federal, and tribal laws. 

Why These Restrictions Matter

The restrictions are intended to protect public safety and reduce the risk of wildfire during the current period of extreme fire danger. Violations may result in fines and possible imprisonment.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to use extra caution while recreating in and around the forest this summer.

For additional information, maps, and the full order, visit:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices

Stage1FireRestrictionsMap (jpg)Download

Community Risk Assessment

 "You all are doing outstanding work throughout the community. There is no textbook view of what a Firewise Community should look like. However, I feel the Knolls would be the best model for this from what I was seeing!"

Kyle Klein -  Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management 

Letter From Bill Davis (pdf)Download

The Knolls Star Valley – A Proud Firewise USA® Community

Firewise USA® Recognition – 2026

The Knolls Star Valley is proud to once again be recognized as a Firewise USA® Community for 2026. This national certification, administered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), honors communities that take proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk. It’s not just a badge of honor—it helps protect our homes, our property values, and the safety of our neighborhood. In today’s environment, where fire insurance can be challenging to obtain, being a Firewise community also provides peace of mind for homeowners and can be a valuable selling point.

What is Firewise USA®?
The Firewise USA® program supports communities that work together to:

  • Assess local wildfire risks
  • Create and maintain defensible space around homes
  • Use fire-resistant landscaping and materials
  • Develop an action plan for ongoing mitigation
  • Educate neighbors about wildfire preparedness
  • Participate in annual community-wide fire safety efforts 

A special thank-you goes to our volunteers—especially Bill Davis—for helping make this certification possible. Together, we are keeping our community safer and more resilient against wildfire. To find out more, click below.

https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa

LINKS TO OUR 2025 firewise usa community action plan

The Knolls POA Firewise Plan (pdf)Download
Fire Hydrant and Access Gates (jpg)Download
Volunteer Spreadsheet (jpg)Download
Firewise Volunteer Hourly Worksheet (pdf)Download

Fire Hardening in the Knolls – Important Message

Helpful Video Links and Websites


YouTube Video:  Why Ember Storms Are A Major Wildfire Threat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvbNOPSYyss


YouTube Video:  Understanding Fire behavior in the Wildland/Urban Interface

https://youtu.be/pPQpgSXG1n0?si=kzwn46Cuf-RACdqn


YouTube Video:  Learning From Recent Wildfires
https://youtu.be/tYNwfj74WsI?si=KKnL1VghPl81K0ue 


YouTube Video: What To Do Before The Next Ember Storm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWlQtdZB2VU


Website:  Town of Payson Wildfire and Firewise Information

https://www.paysonaz.gov/departments/fire/wildfire-firewise-information


Website:  AZ Dept of Insurance & Financial Institutions - Why Are My Insurance Premiums Going Up?

https://difi.az.gov/homeownersinsurance

Fire safety resources

Three Residents Share Bark Beetle Prevention Info (pdf)Download
Home & Property Fire-Hardening Checklist (pdf)Download
Firewise Landscaping - Vegetation Removal or Modification (pdf)Download
Ready Set Go Wildland Fire Action Guide (pdf)Download
Wildland Fire Hazard Check Sheet Payson Fire Department (pdf)Download
The Knolls & Firewising Powerpoint Presentation (pptx)Download
Central Zone Firewise Seminar Notes 1-20-26 (pdf)Download
Fuel Treatments Save Homes - 2011 Wallow Fire (pdf)Download
How To Prepare My Home Checklist - Wildfire Prepared Home (pdf)Download
Low-Cost Retrofit List - Low-Cost Ways To Harden Your Home (pdf)Download
Noncombustible Zone 0 - Minimizing Pathways To Home Ignition (pdf)Download
Recommendations for Hardening Your Home to Better Survive Wildfire (jpg)Download
Bark Beetle Reduction Cost Share Program (pdf)Download

Website resources for fuel reduction

firewise
Fire Adapted Communities
Ready! set! go!

Greater Payson Restoration Project fy23-fy27

  • Home
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The Knolls-Star Valley

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