A vehicle fire that occurred in July 2024 on Interstate 40 east of Winslow is being extinguished. State transportation officials said such incidents and others, including chains that drag along pavement, can lead to wildfires.
Maricopa County officials warn that extreme heat will be the main weather story early this week with the hottest temperatures of the year so far in store for the Valley.
In addition, Arizona health officials Monday extended an extreme heat warning through Tuesday, May 12, when they said daytime highs are expected to reach 112 degrees.
Daily temperatures will peak early this week with highs in the range of 106 to 110 degrees with a drop coming later in the week, according to the Maricopa County Flood Control District.
The agency described in a release that a "dangerous heat wave" with "extreme heat will be the main weather story early this week."
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality on Monday issued an ozone high-pollution advisory that covers Tuesday, May 12, and officials advise residents to drive less, avoid using leaf blowers and stop using off-highway vehicles.
Hot and dry weather also increases the risk of brush fires, state transportation officials said.
“While wildland fires can occur year-round, seasonal changes and weather conditions in the summer increase risk,” an Arizona Department of Transportation release stated on Monday.
ADOT reminds drivers to:
Ensure trailer chains are securely attached. Loose chains can drag on the pavement, shooting sparks off the road and into dry brush and grass.
Avoiding parking on dry grass or driving through tall grass. Heat from the underside of vehicles can start a fire.
Check tire pressure. Exposed wheel rims can cause sparks.
Meet Dan Dan McCarthy joined Independent Newsmedia as web content editor after a 40-plus year career as a reporter and editor in New Jersey and Arizona. During his time in Arizona, he has been an editor of daily and weekly papers in Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Ahwatukee, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Peoria and Glendale. Prior to moving to Arizona in 1984, when he was hired to be assistant city editor at the Tempe Daily News, he covered regional police/fire news, municipal, county and state governments in New Jersey, the latter as bureau chief at the state Capitol.
Community: He has served on several boards over the years, including the Tempe Community Action Agency and the Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital Board of Governors. He is a graduate of the Tempe Leadership and Scottsdale Leadership programs, serving as media adviser for subsequent classes of Tempe Leadership.
Education: Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism.
Random Fact: Set winter/summer track records in the 60-, 100- and 220-yard dashes at his high school in New Jersey.
Hobbies: Tai chi, cooking, dining at his must-eat-once places around the U.S. and the Cincinnati Reds, his favorite team since 1961.
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