Gov. Hobbs, forestry officials discuss biggest wildfire concerns this year

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Governor Katie Hobbs and Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management leaders met Monday to discuss the state’s wildfire outlook over the next few months.

Traditionally, the state’s most destructive fires have happened in late spring and early summer. So far this year, Arizona is off to a busier start than last year.

According to the Department of Forestry and Fire Management, there have already been nearly 250 fires statewide across all jurisdictions since Jan. 1. Last year, the state saw 70 fires over the first three months.

“This year, unlike years past, it’s not so much elevation or vegetation based when we’re talking about fire activity. In years past, we could see higher fire activity in southern Arizona or across the Sonoran Desert, but this year, we’re pretty much looking at widespread activity throughout all of Arizona,” said Tiffany Davila with the Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

After the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area earlier this year, fire officials are warning people that fires can happen anywhere, even in the Phoenix area.

“There is a lot of wildland urban interface in the area, especially as we talk about Buckeye, Avondale, Whitman and Wickenburg, you know, on the east side, Gold Canyon, Apache Junction. So anywhere where there’s the wildland that meets the developments in the communities is where we can see that increase in activity,” Davila said.

Davila stresses the importance of creating defensible space around your home, reducing “the dead and dying vegetation, removing anything flammable away from your home, and providing that buffer between your home and a potential wildfire.”

Watch the full press conference below.

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