Arizona leaders preparing prevention strategies ahead of wildfire season

PHOENIX — State leaders are poised for an early start to the Arizona fire season this year.

Fire Officer John Truett with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said carryover vegetation from a dry fall has dried out even more due to lack of rain during the winter and spring.

“We’re coming off of several years of drought, we’re experiencing a very extreme dryness out in our vegetation this year,” Truett said during a Monday news conference.

How are leaders preparing for Arizona fire season this year?

The department has treated over 23,000 acres in the state since last July, with a goal of treating 30,000 acres by the time the fiscal year ends in June.

DFFM is focused on curing fuels earlier and are prepared for a longer lasting fire season, Truett added. The department is already working with federal partners and local fire departments to coordinate fire response plans.

Gov. Katie Hobbs, who also spoke during the event, said more resources are available to fight wildlands fires following the signing of the Great Plains Interstate Fire Compact last year.

“It makes resources much more available to us when we need them the most,” Hobbs said.

Concerns about Arizona fire season in 2025

However, Truett said national resources are down right now and the department must be cautious about how it helps partners on the West Coast.

“Any start is going to go and really tap into our resource and our ability to fight fire,” Truett said.

Most wild fires are caused by humans. Truett said there was a recent incident where a chain was dragged for 20 miles, which started 18 new fires.

Hobbs said everyone needs to take personal responsibility to prevent a wildfire.

She advised Arizonans to never leave campfires unattended, adding that target shooting and fireworks are prohibited on state lands.

She also said homeowners need to do their part to clear dry vegetation or flammable items from around their properties. People also shouldn’t forget to remove leaf litter from your rooftops and gutters.

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