Arizona Fire Officials Expect An Active Fire Season

By Katherine Fritcke
Published: Monday, June 12, 2017 - 8:17am
(Photo courtesy of inciweb.nwcg.gov)
The Lizard Fire is burning in the southern portion of Arizona.

State fire officials say gusty winds and hot temperatures have led to multiple wildfire starts and is setting the stage for what is expected to be an active fire season.

Since the beginning of the year, 858 wildfires have burned more than 130,000 acres across the state. Currently, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, along with local and federal agencies, are working to suppress nearly 30 wildfires.
 
The National Weather Service is warning of critical fire weather conditions this week as strong winds with high gusts are expected across parts of the state.
 
The 1,200 acre Tee Fire near Black Canyon City, coupled with the Lizard Fire burning in the southern portion of the state and the Highline Fire along the Mogollon Rim, are creating some concern that the firefighting agencies are being spread thin.