Photo By Sgt. Lauren Twigg | Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer talks to reporters about the 2014 wildland fire season outlook...... read more read more
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PHOENIX -Following a dry Arizona winter, Gov. Jan Brewer asked citizens to exercise an extra measure of caution as the state enters wildfire season.
Emergency response officials from local, state and federal agencies joined the governor to discuss the wildand fire seasonal outlook at a news conference at Arizona National Guard Headquarters April 2.
"We must do everything possible to prevent and combat wildfires," Brewer said. "Over 50 percent of wildfires are started by campfires. I ask all Arizonans to pay attention to all fire and flames, and make sure every one is out."
State forestry officials said drought caused an early start to fire season this year with 179 wildland fires already recorded.
“The logs lying on the ground in our forests are drier than the ones you can buy for firewood at your local home goods store. That’s how dry it is out there,” said Scott Hunt, state forester.
Brewer and Hunt said Arizonans can mitigate the danger by pouring water on campfires and by creating a defensible space around properties by trimming tree limbs and bushes. Decreasing fuel can minimize fire growth and assist potential fire-fighting efforts.
Government agencies are prepared for the potentially volatile season and have pre-staged resources earlier than last year. Wildland fire crews have thinned fuels around the state and taken steps to ensure communication interoperability between departments.
Globe Fire Department Fire Chief Al Gameros, and Black Canyon Fire District Fire Chief Tom Birch, received keys from Gov. Brewer for two refurbished fire engines. Arizona State Forestry participates in a program that repurposes federally-surplused fire engines to local fire departments at the cost of restoration.
“We are prepared for wildland fire season,” said Brewer, “but everyone has to take on some responsibility.”
Agencies participating in the event included the Arizona Departments of Emergency and Military Affairs, Water Resources, Public Safety, and Game and Fish, as well as Summit Fire Department, Arizona State Forestry, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the National Park Service, the National Forest Service and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2014 21:32 |
| Story ID: | 123838 |
| Location: | PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 64 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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