How Arizona Public Service improves wildfire response through collaboration

The challenge

Wildfires are increasingly common and create growing risks across the US and worldwide. Arizona Public Service (APS), an electric utility serving 1.4 million homes and businesses, needed to ensure its wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts were informed by the latest science, technology, and operational practices.

The solution

The E Source International Wildfire Risk Mitigation Consortium (IWRMC) provided APS with a collaborative platform to share knowledge with peer utilities, researchers, and technology providers. Through this network, APS validated and adopted effective wildfire mitigation strategies, including predictive risk modeling, advanced weather monitoring, and enhanced fire response coordination.

The impact

Participation in IWRMC reduced operational risk and strengthened key partnerships by demonstrating proactive leadership in wildfire safety. The program helped APS align global innovation with local community needs, ensuring a safer and more resilient energy system.

Scott Bordenkircher, Director of Forestry and Fire Mitigation at APS, shared how the membership supports APS’s work:

As an IWRMC member, APS gains valuable insights through peer sharing and deep-dive analysis that helps us build on our vegetation management practices, operational procedures, and risk modeling.

About APS

APS serves 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties and is a leader in safely delivering reliable affordable electricity in the Southwest. APS maintains a diverse range of energy resources, including nuclear from Palo Verde Generating Station, natural gas, coal, solar, wind and energy storage—a mix that’s about 54% clean.