Phoenix's last official measurable rain was December 18th. Is anybody concerned???

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

Really?



Brush fire now at 1,000 acres in Arlington | News-ON Phoenix (http://phoenix-on.us/2012/03/07/brush-fire-now-at-1000-acres-in-arlington/ - broken link)

Yes, really. The Arlington fire is in the riverbed burning salt cedar stands. The salt cedar has an unlimited supply of water out there. It is a riparian area. Drought has nothing to do with what's going on. Fire hazard in the desert is always less in dry years than in years where ample rainfall has increased the fuel load. It is such a basic fact that I am surprised a "native" like yourself would not know that.

[stephen431]

To be fair, that fire probably had more to do with the fact that some idiot started his "controlled burn" in the middle of a red flag warning.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Yes, really. The Arlington fire is in the riverbed burning salt cedar stands. The salt cedar has an unlimited supply of water out there. It is a riparian area. Drought has nothing to do with what's going on. Fire hazard in the desert is always less in dry years than in years where ample rainfall has increased the fuel load. It is such a basic fact that I am surprised a "native" like yourself would not know that.

The high winds & lack of moisture have a lot to do with it. How normal are red flag warnings and single digit humidity readings in February & March? Yes, the risk of desert fires is greater after the grasses become tinder dry, and this usually follows a wet winter. However, the risk often holds off until May or June. I consider this fire an early warning that the fire season will be pretty bad if the lack of moisture continues.

Originally Posted by stephen431

To be fair, that fire probably had more to do with the fact that some idiot started his "controlled burn" in the middle of a red flag warning.

Well, that idiot likely wasn't concerned about the red flag warning and dry conditions. Not too many people seem to be. Why should they be? It's so beautiful outside. No need to worry. It's that kind of apathy & ignorance that leads to people doing stupid things like this. Stay tuned later on for the other idiots who toss cigarettes out the window, leave campfires unattended, and even start fires purposely during such dry conditions.

[CA-NV-AZ]

A big change in the weather is predicted for this weekend across the entire west. Maybe we will finally get the rain we've been missing out on. I hope so anyway.

Sunday, Mar. 18

57 | 37 °F
Chance of Rain
80% Chance of
Precipitation

Weather Forecast Phoenix, AZ | Phoenix Weather | Wunderground