Be Ready for Wildfires
Arizona's annual summer monsoon wind shift doesn’t just bring rain. It also brings lightning, and that means fires.
Why we have fires, and what you can do to prevent them
In the 20th century and before, wildfires in Arizona’s desert were relatively rare and small. But since 2000, fires are more frequent and bigger, said Gila County Cooperative Extension Agent Chris Jones.
He attributes this to two key factors: Generally higher temperatures and invasive plants, including stinknet, red brome, and buffelgrass, which dry out and fuel for fires. These drought-resistant, non-native species do not have the same natural enemies here, such as insects, that keep their populations under control elsewhere, Jones said.
Three basic factors affect wildfire – weather, topography, and fuel.
"The only things we really can control are fuels and perhaps human behavior. We can be doing things that control those fuels and to control wildfires,” Jones said.
Here are a few simple steps you can take your property, yourself, and your loved ones safe.
Use Firewise Landscaping
No plant is fireproof, but some plants are safer. Deciduous trees (ones that lose leaves in winter) burn less readily than evergreens. Many Arizona native plants are fire-resistant.
Remove “Ladder” Fuel
Cut back grass, bushes, and low branches (living and dead). This prevents fires from reaching treetops, where they can rapidly spread.
Clean up Dead Fuel
Pine cones, leaves, tree bark, and small branches can cause embers in a fire. Floating embers burn more homes than any other wildfire cause.
Firewise Landscape Principles in the Sonoran Desert
Watch Video - Wildfires in the Sonoran desert have become increasing large and more frequent in the past two decades. In this presentation, you will learn how wildfire embers are a major source of home ignitions during wildfires, where homes are exposed to embers, and how to limit those exposures. Extension Agent Chris Jones will discuss how homeowners and landscape designers can plan for wildfire in order to prevent home ignitions, as well as how to maintain desert landscapes and homes to be Firewise®. The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association's Guide for "Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert" is used to make plant recommendations.
Cooperative Extension publications that can help you stay prepared: