Arizona Gov. Ducey Urges Public To Stay Vigilant During Wildfire Season

By Matt Kling, Lauren Gilger
Published: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 - 7:35am
Updated: Wednesday, April 3, 2019 - 8:25am
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Fire suppression operations at the Tinder Fire on May 3, 2018.

Despite having one of the wettest winters on record, the threat of wildfires in Arizona is still high, according to Gov. Doug Ducey. He is urging residents to remain vigilant at the forefront of wildfire season.

“More precipitation brings more fueled vegetation," Ducey said in a news conference Monday, "which increases fire danger.”

Ducey is urging residents to put out campfires, cigarettes and matches, and to make sure trailers don’t drag on roadways, which can cause dangerous sparks. He also adds that it’s illegal to fly a drone near a wildfire.

“Unauthorized drones bring air support operations to a halt," Ducey said, "putting people, pets and property in danger.”

Arizona’s Department of Forestry and Fire Management said 165,000 acres burned across Arizona in 2018 — down from 420,000 acres in 2017.

The Show spoke with state Fire Manager John Truett more about it.

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