Hot Dry Weather Means Heightened Wildfire Concerns

Phoenix, Arizona This week, we are in the middle of some of the most critical days in this year's fire season. Red flag warnings continue across the state and fire weather watches are now becoming an everyday occurrence. Hot, dry weather, with winds predicted at 10-20 mph with higher gusts are creating a scenario of dangerous fire behavior potential for the next several days and probably much longer. Fire behavior analysts issued a Fire Behavior Alert in mid-May warning Southwest firefighters and the public that we are experiencing critically low live fuel moisture in brush and other vegetation types across Arizona and New Mexico. The fire behavior alert stated, "Extremely dry conditions have persisted throughout the winter and spring leading to very low dead and live fuel moisture levels." This, in combination with all the desert fine fuels left over from last year, equals fire danger at near record levels, if not higher in many areas of the state. Firefighters are now seeing the May predictions come true as they fight fires in the drought-stressed low sage and juniper, deal with high rates of spread in the flashy grass fuel types, and observe spotting crown fires in timbered areas of the state. Conditions are such that fine fuels will readily ignite from virtually any source and spread rapidly. During initial burning periods, the average rate of fire spread is predicted to be 2-8 mph on flat ground, without any wind at allhumans walk an average of 3-4 mphyou can't outrun these fires!! Added to the hot dry conditions is the uncertainty concerning this summer's monsoon season. Predictions are widely varied whether the monsoons will be on time or delayed later into the summer. Delays in the monsoon season usually mean a longer period of "dry lightning." This could increase demands on this years heavily used firefighting crews and resources. Visitors and workers in Arizona's outdoors are urged to be extra careful from now until the monsoon season does arrive. This is not the time to be careless outdoors when the potential exists for any fire start to become a large wildfire, especially in the fuel-loaded lower elevations and other drought influenced areas. Fires are now occurring at all elevations in all fuel types; there are very few if any areas in the state that aren't experiencing high-extreme fire danger. Fire restrictions and some closures are in effect for parts of Arizona and can change on a daily basis. It is always best to call ahead to the local office where you plan on visiting or working to get the most up-to-date information. The latest fire restriction information can be found on websites www.azfireinfo.com and gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/ or by calling toll-free 1-877-864-6985. Tonto National Forest officials are also reminding the public that fire restrictions are still in effect across the forest. "Although most people realize they can't have open fires outside of developed recreation areas, there is still some confusion concerning other activities," said Tonto Forest Supervisor Gene Blankenbaker. "For example, target shooting is included in the restriction order and is banned across the forest, but we still have a lot of people out shooting on the weekends. This leads to some hefty fines for the shooters and to wildfires on public lands." Other activities prohibited by the restriction order include smoking outside of a clear area, using chainsaws or other internal combustion power tools and all off-road vehicle traffic not on designated routes. The restrictions also prohibit the use of campfires and charcoal across the forest. However, most of the developed recreation sites on the Tonto, including campgrounds and picnic areas, have been exempted from this order, so campfires and charcoal grills will still be allowed at these locations. For a complete legal description and map of the restriction area, including exempted recreation sites, visit the Tonto National Forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto. Violation of these restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months in jail.