PHOENIX — Arizona's fire season will likely be focused more on the deserts of central and southern Arizona, while northern Arizona's fire season will likely be delayed, officials said Monday.
During a news conference in front of the capitol, officials with the state Department of Forestry and Fire Management said Arizona's had a better than normal snowpack level this year.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Arizona se prepara para la temporada de incendios forestales y los funcionarios esperan que sea una temporada muy ocupada
"As for the high country, fire behavior may be delayed just due to the existing snowpack and then the later moisture that we're receiving this spring," John Truett with the Department of Forestry and Fire Management said.
However, Truett said the deserts would likely dry out and die first, making officials focus more on those areas as fire season begins.
However, Truett also warned that the snow level this winter was not as low as in years past. he warned that could mean some areas that usually catch a break early on, may be ready to burn sooner.
"The potential for exists for quick ignitions and rapid moving wildland fires within these areas of heavy fuels," Truett said. "Wind and terrain can influence explosive fire behavior, making the challenging for firefighters to contain."
Fire officials are warning anyone whose home is near a lot of undeveloped spaces to create "defensible space" around their homes.
Defensible space is a 100-foot barrier around a home where brush and trees have been cleared away. that makes it much harder, though not impossible, for a burning tree or bush to catch a home on fire.
"The first day of any firefight starts with the actions that our community members take today," Aaron Casem, also with the Department of Forestry and Fire Management said. "Do not wait until you see smoke in the air to act."
The department has an online planner to help you prepare for fire season, which usually starts as early as April.
Firefighters in Texas recently dealt with the largest wildfire in state history. As fire seasons worsen across the country, officials ask every resident to be on guard against fires.
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ARIZONA WEATHER
Drought, wildfires, heat and monsoon storms: Arizona has seen its fair share of severe weather. Learn everything you need to know about the Grand Canyon State's ever-changing forecasts here.
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
The entire NFPA checklist of supplies can be found here.