Wildfire Awareness Week was declared by Governor Doug Ducey in 2021 and runs from March 28 through April 3.
TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona's Department of Forestry and Fire Management predicts fire activity will be high, this year.
"We didn't really have a lot of precipitation over the Winter, so that's really drying out the fuel, if it isn't already dry across Southern Arizona and the Sonoran Desert," said Tiffany Davila with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management."We're already starting to see early activity in the areas of Pima, Cochise and Santa Cruz counties."
In 2021, 7`1% of the state's wildfires were started by people. Spreading a message about safety has become even more pressing.That's why the department is teaming up with Arizona State Parks this Wildfire Awareness Week. "When you're in a park, you may think you're in an area that's ranger controlled, everything is going to be fine and you're going to do your thing, but you do need to be extra careful," said Michelle Thompson with Arizona State Parks."Making sure that campfire is out, making sure your tow chains are secure," said Davila."Know before you go. Check the fire restrictions website. Know where you're going. There's no target shooting on state land.