The Hassayampa River corridor has the “makings of a perfect storm,” according to fire officials. Last week, a task force of about 50 firefighters went door to door educating residents in that area about defensible space, fire prevention and evacuation procedures. Southeast of Wickenburg, along U.S. 60 between approximately mileposts 113-117, stands a large cottonwood grove which continues along the river and provides a canopy for dense undergrowth, a flowing river channel and many species of birds and animals.