PHOENIX — High winds and low relative humidity have increased the fire danger across Arizona for the weekend.
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In Maricopa County and the lower deserts, the Red Flag Warning is in effect from 9 a.m. Saturday to 11 p.m. Saturday.
People in the area should expect winds from the south between 10 and 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 35 miles per hour.
Mohave County will have a Red Flag Warning in place both Saturday and Sunday.
People in the area can expect winds from the southwest between 20 and 25 miles per hour and gusts up to 45 miles per hour.
The rest of northern Arizona has a Red Flag Warning for Sunday.
People should expect winds from the southwest between 15 and 25 miles per hour with gusts up to 45 miles per hour.
Temperatures in the Valley are expected to remain in the triple digits through next week.
So what does this mean for us?
The NWS recommends people take the following precautions when fire danger is heightened:
– Avoid outdoor activities that may create a flame or spark
– Do not drive or pull over on grass
– Properly dispose of cigarettes
– Secure tow chains so they don’t drag
– Avoid charcoal grills
According to information provided by Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention, the most common causes of wildfires in Arizona are dragging trailer safety chains, rims from flat tires striking pavement, vehicles parking or driving over dry vegetation, carelessly tossed cigarettes, abandoned campfires, equipment use and debris burning around homes and property, fireworks, and the discharge of firearms in areas with dry vegetation.
Information about fire restrictions can be found here.
You can find information about how to sign up for emergency alert notifications in your area here.
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Wildfire Go-Kit:
Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them of they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see early widespread fire activity throughout the state.
An emergency supply kit should be put together long before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Make sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers.
Residents should make sure they have the necessities, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first-aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and non-prescription drugs should also be taken into account.
Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and put into a waterproof, portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.
The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including:
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA weather radio to receive up-to-date information
Dust mask or cotton T-shirt to filter the air
Matches in a waterproof container
Complete change of clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, and sturdy shoes stored in a waterproof container
Signal flare
The entire NFPA checklist of supplies can be found here.
Those in Arizona who have been affected by a wildfire or other natural disasters can seek assistance from the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-842-7349.
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