WPBN: Sadly, residents of Arizona are not unfamiliar with the phenomenon of rapid-fire wildfires; nevertheless, after witnessing the devastation that occurred in California, many people are wondering whether or not there is a strategy in place in the event that something comparable were to occur in Arizona.
The Tom’s Thumb Trailhead is the location where fire crews in Scottsdale begin their operation.
During the raging fire, water is gushing out of homes, trucks are parked outside of construction sites, and firefighters are working swiftly to put out the flames with the assistance of the harsh wind.
“This does show the significance of how we are still in extreme fire danger right now, even in Arizona,” Scottsdale Fire Captain Dave Folio stated.
But in this case, the circumstances were advantageous for firefighters, explains Folio. Before firemen were able to contain the fire, only two acres had burned.
Still, the possibility of what might have occurred is the main concern.
“This is dangerous stuff,” Folio stated. “We are still in two years without heavy moisture. Now, it’s dried out.”
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It is a combination of dry fuel and powerful winds, according to Shawn Gilleland, who works for Rural Metro Fire, that is contributing to the terrible devastation that has occurred in California.
Regarding the scenario in southern California, Gilleland stated, “This looks like the worst nightmare.” He urges the people of Arizona to be on the lookout for this catastrophe.
He cautions that even while we do not experience the same wind speeds and undulating hills as they do in other places, there is still a chance of raging fires.
“We do have what we refer to as an urban interface, where our urban population interfaces with our wildland or preserve lands and lands that are undeveloped. So we do have the potential for these kinds of wildfires,” Gilleland stated.
Plans are in place to keep an eye on such possible hazards. Every county has a catastrophe emergency plan that covers everything from massive wildfires to other emergencies.
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Maricopa, the largest county in Arizona, has a plan in place to protect against wildfires.
44 various agencies that keep an eye on the state identify at-risk locations, and the Arizona Emergency Network has advice on how to put together a Go Kit in case your neighborhood is in danger.
In order to analyze and evaluate progress in the event of a catastrophic calamity, team members get together every six months.
In order to stop sparks from turning into embers, fire departments like Scottsdale also do fuel mitigation work on the highways.
“So if we were to have someone drag out a chain, throw out a cigarette, or whatever spark we might get, we’ve lessened the effect that it will have,” Folio stated.
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Of course, it’s also critical to educate homeowners.
“We’ve really tried to push the outlying areas, like North Scottsdale, Rio Verde, Cave Creek and Carefree to start the Firewise program,” Gilleland stated.
Clearing dead branches, grass, and leaves within 30 feet of your home is one of the program’s tips.
“Making sure that if there is a fire – like what we are seeing in California – with yards and potentially miles of blowing embers, that they don’t find a place to catch anything. Don’t (leave) a pile of mesquite needles in your corner or room and sit there and (let it) smolder and burn,” Gilleland stated.
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