PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey met with his top fire fighting leaders in Arizona on Monday as they prepare for the upcoming wildfire season.
This year's forecast has fire officials calling for a wildlife season that could be similar to 2005 when they saw increased fire risk at lower elevations, referencing the Cave Creek Complex Fire.
Governor Ducey reminding that no one should become complacent about wildfire season, even with our very wet winter season.
"Wet winters can mean very dangerous summers, that's because more precipitation brings more fuel vegetation, which increases fire danger," said Governor Ducey.
John Truett, with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, said that wet winters could also lead to challenging times for firefighters should a wildfire break out.
"Additional vegetation growth can cause an increased fire fuel bed in certain areas they'd normally try to fight a fire from," Truett said. "We really don't have the opportunity to use some of the strategic gourds that we normally would use."
The Governor and fire officials want to remind people that when out enjoying the Arizona wilderness this spring and summer, they should always:
- Put out campfires
- Put out and dispose of cigarettes properly
- Put out and dispose of matches properly
- Never drag chains on the roadway
- Never fly drones in or around an active wildfire area.
Being vigilant and prepared during wildfire season.
