ARIZONA, USA — Authorities are ready to battle fires throughout the Grand Canyon State as Arizona's wildfire season ramps up.
Fire departments this year are already battling fires during what experts predict will be just as destructive of a season as last year, if not more.
Wildfires in Arizona burned the most acres of land in 2020 than any other year in the past decade, according to data from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
Experts are predicting a very active fire season in 2024 due to a below-average monsoon in 2023 and near-average precipitation this past winter, which has increased the drought intensity in Arizona compared to this time last year.
>> Bookmark 12news.com/wildfires for the latest wildfire coverage
Here are where the wildfires are happening and what damage they have caused:
Check back here for the latest information on the wildfires burning throughout Arizona.
RELATED:
Arizona Wildfire Season
Get the latest information on how to stay safe and protect your home during wildfire season in Arizona on our 12 News YouTube playlist here.
Residents in evacuation areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them when leaving their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see 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 an 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.
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 ADFFM, 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.
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.
You can learn more about the 'Ready, Set, Go' system by clicking here.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.