Forecasted Hot Temperatures and Dry Thunderstorms - A Combination for Very High Fire Danger Across the State - June 12, 2021
Phoenix, AZ (6/12/21) – The forecasted heat wave coupled with an unstable atmosphere and extremely dry fuels have the potential to produce large wildland fire incidents across Arizona. The incoming critical fire weather, which also includes dry thunderstorms, also means rapid fuel ignition and fire spread with very erratic and extreme fire behavior.
As of Friday, all state land within Arizona is under Stage II fire restrictions. These restrictions fall in line with our federal and tribal partners’ restrictions. Under Stage II, campfires and smoking outdoors is not allowed. Target shooting and fireworks are prohibited year-round. DFFM’s Industrial Plan C is now in effect which limits time of use for chainsaws, mechanical fellers, masticators, and chippers. A fireguard must be in place for industrial activities.
For private property owners, if working outdoors pay attention to the weather, avoid burning on windy days, and never leave a burn unattended. Have a water source and shovel nearby and use a spark arrester on equipment. Department of Forestry and Fire Management wildland fire investigators report multiple starts this year due to grinding and other equipment usage.
DFFM continues statewide prevention patrols with heavy focus on areas prone to ignitions. These areas include, the US-60 corridor from Wickenburg into Apache Junction, I-17 within the New River and Black Canyon City-areas, and I-10 through southern Arizona. Over the last few weeks, prevention officers have found multiple abandoned campfires and target shooting on state land. They have picked up a handful of roadside fires, responded to other fire starts, and have made dozens of proactive contacts with the public.
To date, 848 wildfires have burned 208,190 acres statewide on all jurisdictions; state, federal, and tribal lands. In comparison to last year as of June 12, 907 wildfires burned 138,443 acres statewide.
“We cannot stress enough to the public the critical situation we are faced with. Firefighters are already challenged and any ignition starting within this drought-stricken fuel bed combined with our incoming critical fire weather could produce large, fast-moving and very active wildfires. Take personal responsibility, follow fire restrictions, and do your part with prevention efforts,” said DFFM Fire Management Officer John Truett.
For more information, contact Tiffany Davila at 602-540-1036 or by email at [email protected].
Statewide fire restriction information: WildlandFire.az.gov.
