PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. — A recent spike in wildfire activity in Pinal County is prompting concern from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
The agency said Monday it has begun to stage engines near the Stanfield and Maricopa areas to provide faster response times after more than 2,600 acres have already been affected by wildfire activity this year.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: ‘Aumento’ en actividad de incendios forestales causa preocupación a bomberos en el Condado Pinal
Between April 1 and May 9, the agency reported responding to 25 human-caused wildfires, mostly in the western region of Pinal County. During that same time frame in 2023, there were nine wildfires that burned about 100 acres in the county.
DFFM said the uptick in wildfire activity appears to be the result of "abnormal fuel loading" in this part of the county that's making it more difficult for residents to suppress fires once they ignite. Human-caused fires can often be traced back to welding and grinding activities.
"Fires are starting faster and spreading even quicker due to the abundance of fuel along with hot, dry, and windy conditions," DFFM Fire Behavior Analyst Byron Kimball said in a statement.
The DFFM fire prevention engine will begin patrolling around Pinal County.
DFFM officials said the prevalent wildfire activity is "definitely raising eyebrows and causing concerns" so residents are encouraged to be more mindful about doing outdoor work on dry, windy days.
Information on Pinal County's burning restrictions can be found here.
UP TO SPEED
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.