Is Arizona Facing an Escalating Wildfire Crisis?

Wildfires have burned nearly 200,000 acres in 2024, but is that worse than in past years? The Arizona Dept. of Forestry and Fire Mgmt. gives us the answer.

PHOENIX — So far this year, wildfires in Arizona have torched nearly 200,000 acres, according to the state’s Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

That tally is surpassing the numbers we’ve seen in the past couple years.

“We’re busier this year than we have been in the past two years, however, if you’re comparing this year to the past five to seven years, it’s a slower year,” said Tiffany Davila, public affairs officer of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

Davila says we’ve had fewer fires than 2020, but the conditions can determine when fires last longer.

“In 2020, we burned about almost a million acres across the state,” she said. “The year prior to that was about 400-500,000 acres, and this year we’re about 200,000 acres that we’ve burned.

The past two years, the department tallied about 100-150,000 thousand acres burned by wildfires.

Davila shared overnight footage captured of the Boulder View Fire, which was sparked in late June east of Carefree near the community of Rio Verde, but has been contained, and video of the Freeman Fire which burned more than 32,000 acres near Oracle in southern Arizona earlier this month. Both videos showed just how powerful these fires can be.

Because Arizona now has fires year-round, she says there’s not a definitive fire season, but the increased numbers are telling.

“We could see fire activity well into late summer and early fall, just because of the conditions that are on the ground, the weather that we’re seeing, the lack of monsoon activity in some areas,” said Davila.

When we get monsoon rain, she says people may get deceived by the moisture and think we’re in the clear, but we’re not.

The truth is that the amount of rain we’ve seen across Arizona this year is far from enough.

“We really need to get that widespread precipitation to actually put an end to our fire season,” she said. “We can see fires in October, November and January and we have.”

So, in the short term, if the hot, dry conditions persist, Davila says our fire activity could increase. That’s why it’s so important for all of us to be mindful of the conditions.

“When they’re recreating, pay attention to the fire restrictions,” she said. “Create that defensible space around your property.”

Bottom line – Davila says it’s best to clear any dead or dying vegetation and flammable materials at least 30 feet from your home because there’s no telling when we could have fire activity.

Wildfire Go-Kit:

Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them of they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see early widespread fire activity throughout the state.

An emergency supply kit should be put together long before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Make sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers.

Residents should make sure they have the necessities, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first-aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and non-prescription drugs should also be taken into account.

Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and put into a waterproof, portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.

The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including:

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA weather radio to receive up-to-date information
• Dust mask or cotton T-shirt to filter the air
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Complete change of clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, and sturdy shoes stored in a waterproof container
• Signal flare

Those in Arizona who have been affected by a wildfire or other natural disasters can seek assistance from the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-842-7349.

Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Evacuation

If evacuations are required due to a wildfire, they will be issued using the ‘Ready, Set, Go’ method, according to the Arizona Emergency Information Network.

If a ‘Ready’ alert is issued, that means you need to be aware of hazards that can threaten your community and make sure you have an emergency kit ready to go with enough supplies to last 72 hours.

If a ‘Set’ alert is issued, that means that you should consider voluntarily evacuating to a shelter or go to family or friends who are outside of the evacuation zone.

If a ‘Go’ alert is issued that means you need to evacuate immediately.

Home Fire Prevention:

The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority has released tips on how to prevent fires from starting in your home.

“More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 25,000 are injured,” the authority said on its website. “An overwhelming number of fires occur in the home.”

First off, the authority says that every house needs to have at least one working smoke alarm. Every level of the home and every sleeping area should have a working smoke alarm inside of it to offer the best protection.

Appliances should also be used in a way that manufacturers recommend, since overheating, shorts and sparks can all lead to a fire breaking out.

Lastly, families should have an escape plan from every room of the house.

“Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot,” the authority said. “Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.”

The authority offers free home safety inspections. Schedule one with them by calling 623-544-5400.

How to prevent wildfires

With temperatures beginning to heat up, fires are likely to continue, but there are some ways that you can prevent them from starting.

According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, some ways to prevent a wildfire from sparking include:

• Make sure a campfire is out by dousing it with water, stirring it and repeating until it is cool to the touch when you touch it with the back of your hand
• Refrain from using a chainsaw or welding equipment during windy or high fire danger days
• Use proper burn barrels when burning debris, never leave the fire unattended and make sure it is completely out before walking away. Also never burn on windy days.
• Don’t target shoot or use fireworks on state lands, as that is not allowed.
• Drivers can also help prevent wildfires with these tips:
• Do not throw cigarette butts out of a car window
• Check your tire pressure, as under-inflated tires can cause your wheel to touch a road or trail and cause sparks
• Never park or drive on dry grass or brush, as a hot engine can spark a fire
• Tighten trailer chains and other equipment so they don’t drag on the ground and cause sparks
• Check your brake pads because worn pads can also throw sparks due to metal-on-metal contact

The ADFFM also has a mobile app that will alert users when a wildfire is in their area. The app can be downloaded in the Apple App Store or in the Google Play Store.

And there are some ways to keep your home safe in case of wildfires, according to The National Fire Protection Agency. Those include:

• Make sure your roof and gutters are clear of dead leaves and debris that could catch fire
• Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles to prevent embers from getting inside your home
• Install 1/8 inch metal mesh screening to reduce embers that could pass through vents into eaves
• Clean debris from attic vents and install the 1/8 inch metal mesh on those vents as well
• Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows
• Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and other flammable materials from getting in
• Move any flammable materials away from exterior walls, including mulch, plants, leaves and firewood piles
• Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches

The NFPA also advises keeping lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches or less, keeping at least eight feet of space between trees, along with having fire-resistant construction on your home, including fire-resistant roofing and siding.

The NFPA also says to know and practice an emergency action plan with all of the occupants of your home in case of a wildfire, as that can save lives.

Arizona Wildfire Season

Get the latest information on how to stay safe and protect your home during wildfire season in Arizona on our 12News YouTube playlist here.