Residents of the Verdes volunteering to keep the communities safe from wildfire have had a cool environment to work with since clearing efforts began earlier this month.

With a dry summer this past year vegetation has not grown as much as some previous years. However, an increased fire risk may the result as many plants have died. The dead vegetation needs to be cleared from the community borders to help reduce the risk of wildfire.

Border clearing began earlier this month with volunteer workdays being Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday starting around 7:30 a.m. and working for a few hours each day.

Crews began the cleanup at the Verde Trailhead into McDowell Mountain Regional Park off Palo Fiero Drive and are working south toward McDowell Mountain Road along the western Rio Verde border.

Those interested in helping with the project can contact volunteer coordinator, Diane Newcomb at dnewcomb1957@cox.net or 856-498-4160 to be included in the volunteer emails, where information on start times and locations is provided. Volunteers participating should be aware that gloves, loppers and shovels are in high demand, and they should bring their own if they have them.