The heat wave combined with extremely dry vegetation in the drought has the potential to produce large wildfires across Arizona, state fire officials warn.
βThe incoming critical fire weather, which also includes dry thunderstorms, also means rapid fuel ignition and fire spread with very erratic and extreme fire behavior,β the Department of Forestry and Fire Management said in a news release.
The record-breaking heat Tucson saw over the weekend is expected to continue this week, the National Weather Service says, with record- or near-record highs of 112 to 113 through Friday.
Thereβs a 20% chance of showers or thunderstorms in the Tucson area Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, the weather service says.
βWe cannot stress enough to the public the critical situation we are faced with,β said fire management officer John Truett of the Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
βFirefighters 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,β he said in the news release.
As of June 11, all state land within Arizona is under Stage II fire restrictions, under which campfires and smoking outdoors are not allowed.
Target shooting and fireworks are prohibited year-round.
Current restrictions also limit time of use for chainsaws and other chipping or industrial equipment, the release said.
Areas especially prone to ignitions include Interstate 10 through Southern Arizona, as well as the U.S. 60 corridor from Wickenburg into Apache Junction, and I-17 within the New River and Black Canyon City areas, the statement said.
βFor 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.β
