A dragging tailpipe can be disastrous at certain times of year in Tucson.
The city and surrounding areas are on high alert for potential fire activity today and authorities are urging people to use extra caution with anything that could be an ignition source.
The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a “red flag warning’ — indicative of “critical fire weather conditions” — until 9 p.m. and for Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Much of the state is under the alert.
Extreme dryness and wind gusts of up to 46 miles per hour could create prime conditions for a blaze to spread quickly from a tossed cigarette or other source of sparks.
“Any fires that develop or are ongoing will likely exhibit rapid and erratic growth and behavior,” the weather service website said.
“Fire season is upon us,” said Capt. Brian Keeley of Northwest Fire District., which on Wednesday was called on to put out a one-acre brush fire — believed to be human-caused —near a roadside in Continental Ranch.
“This is just the beginning. We're going to see this for the next several months, so be alert and be aware of your actions,” Keeley said.
The winds could also make driving dangerous today, with blowing dust conditions possible for the afternoon, especially along Interstate 10 north of Tucson
