Arizona's wildfire season kicked into gear this weekend as a fire dubbed the 'Range Fire' scorched over 1,000 acres of land just north of Florence. The blaze, reported by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (ADFFM), began on Saturday near the Arizona National Guard Weapons Training Range and moved onto State Trust land. As of Sunday evening, the fire stands at 85% containment after searing through 1,183 acres, according to a release from the department.
Given the nature of the location, fire crews had to hold back until the blaze shifted away from the military grounds for safety concerns. "Due to safety reasons, crews had to wait for the fire to come out of the National Guard area before they could fight the flames," noted an article from AZFamily. Warm temperatures on Sunday exacerbated the situation, driving the flames eastward and prompting the deployment of two air tankers to dampen the fire's progress.
Numerous personnel are on the scene working to quell the inferno. "ADFFM said Saturday about 54 firefighters are battling the Range Fire, including hand crews, engines and air support," a statement from 12 News detailed. These firefighting efforts have been enhanced by strategic aerial monitoring, which will persist as officials surveil the footprint of the wildfire and utilize tankers to address flare-ups as deemed necessary.
The blaze has not posed a current threat to structures in the vicinity, yet officials and fire protection agencies stress the importance of proactive prevention. ADFFM offers guidance on how to prevent wildfires, like extinguishing campfires completely and refraining from activities that could generate sparks on windy days. They furthermore advise on readiness for potential evacuations with the 'Ready, Set, Go' method. For instance, "If a 'Set' alert is issued, that means that you should consider voluntarily evacuating to a shelter or go to family or friends who are outside of the evacuation zone," 12 News explained.
Residents can keep informed on the latest wildfire threats and safety protocols by downloading the ADFFM mobile app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The importance of individual responsibility in fire prevention and preparedness is underscored by the National Fire Protection Agency's recommendations to maintain homes and landscaping in a manner that diminishes fire risk.
