Palm Springs Launches Wildfire Safety Push

As desert temperatures begin to climb, so does the threat of wildfires.
NBC Palm Springs' Caitlyn Kelly spoke with Palm Springs Fire Department officials about steps being taken to reduce the risk.
Starting Thursday, May 1st, the department kicks off its annual brush removal program.
Crews will clear 87 acres across 27 wildfire-prone zones within the city.
The effort focuses on areas mapped by the state as having moderate fire hazard potential, especially near the mountainside.
Officials say the initiative is designed to prevent and mitigate fire dangers before they spark.
But the responsibility doesn’t stop with the city—homeowners in high-risk areas must do their part too.
Residents are being urged to remove brush around their homes and businesses to create defensible space.
The fire department will handle city-owned land while encouraging property owners to handle the rest.
To find out if your home is in a high-risk zone, residents can check the city’s website.
The site provides an interactive map and detailed guidelines under the Fire Department's Community Risk Reduction section.
It’s a team effort—officials say protecting the Valley from wildfire threats starts with awareness and action.