Mayor Lisa Borowsky addressed on Apr. 17 the misrepresentation of a resident-driven Volunteer Wildfire Brigade proposal during the Scottsdale Fire Fighters Association City Council Forum at the Civic Center Library. Borowsky said she was disappointed that the initiative, intended to support preparedness and education, was inaccurately portrayed as putting volunteers on the front lines fighting wildfires.
The discussion is significant because it highlights how public safety proposals can be misunderstood, potentially discouraging civic engagement and collaboration in wildfire prevention efforts. As communities across Arizona face increased wildfire risks due to hotter temperatures, drought, and expanding development near wildland areas, effective preparation is becoming more urgent.
Borowsky clarified that “the idea centered on enhancing preparedness, prevention and education, enlisting the help of qualified (vetted by the Scottsdale Fire Department) members of our community who were interested in volunteering.” She said volunteers would focus on educating homeowners and homeowner associations about wildfire risk reduction strategies such as clearing dry brush and creating defensible space around residences—not active firefighting.
“Inaccurately framing this proposal as a volunteer firefighting force shifts the conversation away from what truly matters: Enhancing Scottsdale’s preparedness while protecting homes, neighborhoods and natural desert spaces from catastrophic wildfire,” Borowsky said. She added that these activities are proven strategies for reducing risk but do not replace or diminish professional firefighters’ roles. “A volunteer effort focused on preparedness complements their work — it does not compete with it,” she said.
Borowsky has supported community service initiatives for children, older adults, and underprivileged youth through board roles according to the official website. The mayor’s office in Scottsdale has also emphasized resident engagement through updates and reports according to the official website. She served as mayor of Scottsdale according to the official website after previously serving on city council from 2008 to 2012 where she advocated for fiscal conservatism and budget improvements according to the official website. Borowsky is a lifelong resident of Scottsdale according to the official website.
Reflecting on civic participation in local government initiatives like park stewardship or advisory groups, Borowsky concluded: “Civic engagement should be welcomed, not dismissed or worse yet mocked.” She called for accurate discussion so residents can continue helping prepare Scottsdale before future wildfire seasons.
