AZ Wildfires (Flagstaff, Kingman, New River: live, snake, property)

[Jnvlv247]

Been watching the news about all the wildfires in CA and other western states and they show AZ has having no major incidences. Wondering why there aren't big fires going on? It's a good thing for AZ obviously but is it cause the monsoon moisture? I see some general and small fires on maps but nothing threatening life or property it seems.

Remember the last few summers have been real active in AZ

[Ponderosa]

There was a big fire up somewhere near Kingman last week. But, you answered your own question. It's the rainy season. The fire danger here drops significantly in mid-July as the monsoon moisture arrives. Adding to that, AZ is not in a serious drought condition either like California is. We have had more or less normal rainfall or at least storms spaced well enough to keep the vegetation from becoming tinder dry.

[BIG CATS]

A new fire (dubbed the "rattlesnake fire") broke out this morning up near the Sunset Point overlook along the 17 near New River.

[ajonesaz]

Arizona fire season is April-June, when its the hottest and driest. I was up north this weekend and everything looked green and moist.

It's actually beneficial to have non-conflicting fire seasons. Arizona wildfire crews go to CA this time of year and CA will come help us during their slow season

[sloguy1496]

Once Monsoon Season hits, soil moisture content goes way up and new, moist growth (grasses, ferns, wildflowers) replaces dry fuels.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by ajonesaz

Arizona fire season is April-June, when its the hottest and driest. I was up north this weekend and everything looked green and moist.

The fire season is really more like May, June, and part of July ... although fires have erupted as early as April on occasion, and even as late as August if it's dry enough. Two reasons for the reduced fire season this year were late spring rains in May & early June, and an early start to the summer monsoon. If we have a wet winter with a heavy snowpack, next year's fire season should be reduced as well. The predictions are for an increased winter storm season, but I'll believe it when I see it!

[teddyearp]

Yes the big thing Arizona has going for it usually is the "Monsoon" season which pretty much ends the fire season there before it gets really ramped up further to the west in California, Oregon, and Washington.

I found it odd when I was traveling through the White Mountains and visited a fire tower near Hawley Lake in June in the 90's. I lived in the CSSR at the time and knew that our fire season was later like August through October or so. But the girl at the tower said that they pretty much closed it down in July. I was perplexed until I moved to AZ. Then I understood.

[jamies]

I wish Commiefornia would keep their smoke on their side of the River..

[BIG CATS]

Looks like the Rattlesnake fire and the Ojo Blanco fires are mostly contained.

[sloguy1496]

Didn't see any more signs of fire when I drove back to the valley from Flagstaff on Sunday. In fact, there was a nice big storm cell right over where the fire had been.