Arizona Could Experience "Devastating" Wildfire Season This Year
By Ginny Reese
March 8, 2021
Arizona experienced record-breaking heat and dryness in 2020, which could lead to a tremendously devastating wildfire season in 2021, reported AZ Family.
To put things into perspective, the entire state of Arizona right now is experiencing some form of drought. About 85% of the state is categorized as "exceptional" or "extreme" on the U.S. Drought Monitor map.
At this time last year, only 30% of the state was experiencing a drought, which was in the northeast corner of Arizona.
The National Weather Service stated that though there were snow storms in the high country earlier in 2021, the current conditions for fire threats are abnormally high.
The current conditions point to "above normal" fire threats by April in areas of lower elevation.
The entire state is expected to be at above normal and significant wildfire danger by June.
To help prevent wildfires, here are some things that you can do:
- ensure all brush is cleared from your property
- make sure campfires are completely out when you're done with them
- check to make sure no chains are dragging when you are towing a trailer or car
- make sure your tires are completely aired up
Fire dangers will be exceptionally high this week with wind gusts expected to be above 40 mph.
Photo: Getty Images