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Surprise Fire-Medical is reminding residents about fire prevention in anticipation of high wildfire danger this summer season.
Battalion Chief Julie Moore reported May 8 that the department already has responded to three brush fires within the past four days.
“It’s gonna be a tough season,” she said. “Whatever our residents can do prevention-wise or even to get ready for evacuations, things like that. I don’t know that everybody realizes the seriousness that has to do with evacuating at the last minute - out the door without their medications, insurance papers, things like that.”
State fire management officer John Truett explained to Capitol Media Services last month that an unusually wet winter has produced a bumper crop of grasses that will now dry out and add to the risk. Additionally, crews on-site at scenes as well as personnel who work with critical communication in times of fires will face a unique situation when it comes to the safety of social distancing practices.
“This is going to be one of the most challenging seasons we’re going to have,” Mr. Truett said.
Residents can help prevent brush fires and wildfires by clearing brush from around a home and removing overgrown bushes, dead branches or branches touching the ground.
Mother Nature can cause a brush fire with lightning strikes, but humans cause the rest through careless habits like dragging vehicle chains on the ground and causing sparks while driving, tossing cigarette butts, or even lighting warming fires.
“We get a little bit of everything, there really isn’t just one cause,” Chief Moore stated.
As of, April 21 the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management reports there are no fire restrictions on state-owned and managed lands. Target shooting and fireworks are never allowed at any time of the year.
Firewise tips include everything from clearing leaves, needles and other debris off of roofs to replacing mulch with hardscaping in the form of rock, gravel or stone.
“If it can catch fire don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch,” according to Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s “to-do” checklist for the home.
Other safety recommendations include building an emergency go kit with enough food, water, health supplies and other necessary items for at least 72 hours. Supplies should include face coverings, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, and should also focus on pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.
Steve Stockmar has been with the Independent Newsmedia team since 2017. An NAU alum and Peoria resident, Steve’s community journalism pursuits focus mostly on arts & culture, education, and profiles of neighbors making a difference. In his spare time Steve plays in a vintage baseball league using uniforms and rules from the 1860s, and also acts (badly) in community theater. In addition, he has an unhealthy obsession with baseball and the Chicago Cubs.
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