To report a wildland fire, call 1-866-746-6516 (24 hours, toll free) When the fire danger is "Moderate," it means that fires can start from most accidental causes, but the number of fire starts is usually pretty low. Contact reporter Jasmine Demers at jdemers@tucson.com. We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. Fires are still not likely to become serious and are often easy to control. Don't let the duff fool you. Toggle navigation. By clicking “I agree” below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. Small fires become big fires much faster than at the "Very High" level. Firing operations at the Coldwater Fire in Coconino National Forest on June 12, 2019. CURRENT ACTIVE FIRES AND FUELS WORK Read More STATEWIDE FIRE RESTRICTIONS Read More PREVENT & PREPARE Read More REPORT A WILDFIRE Read More . The fires will spread rapidly and have a quick increase in intensity, right after ignition. Wildfire season is in full swing with 19 active fires burning across Arizona, according to the Department of Forestry and Fire Management. This content is currently not available in your region. The U.S. Forest Service issued a temporary forest closure that will remain in effect. All of these factors can cause developing fires to spread rapidly. Keep away from the base of a hill. You have permission to edit this article. Wildfires are burning throughout Arizona, even with monsoon moisture that continues to move across the state. Several roads and recreation areas reopened this week after being closed to the public. Pile the dirt around the fire pit. “Campfires need to be completely out and cool to the touch — we are getting reports of abandoned campfires,” said Davila. Prepare Your Site - Find a level spot away from overhanging branches, brush, or dry grass. Before you leave the campsite, check the area within 50 feet of the fire for sparks or embers that may have escaped. The two other wildfires, near Sonoita and in the Arivaca area, each burned less than 100 acres, according to the forest’s Facebook page. State forestry officials ask that Arizonans use caution when outdoors and using equipment that can throw a spark. According to Coconino forest officials, firefighters are continuing to extinguish sources of heat and remove hazardous trees in the area. While the moisture from the monsoon season, which officially begins Saturday, June 15, typically reduces fire activity, the National Weather Service reports that Arizona likely won’t see its signature thunderstorms until late July. In addition, the Center provides Predictive Services and Intelligence related-products in support of incident management decision-making for wildland fire managers and on-the-ground wildland firefighters. Phoenix, Arizona 85006 (602) 225-5200. Monsoon will likely roll into Tucson later than usual this summer, State putting fire restrictions in place in several counties west, north of Tucson, Watch now: Litter cleanup and surveys along Santa Cruz River in Tucson, Three racing friends make Tucson Speedway history, 1960 photos: Tucson Country Club's new pavilion. Hollow out a fire pit 6 inches deep and 2 feet across at the center of the cleared circle. WeatherBug's interactive wildfire and forest fire maps. Fires can become serious and difficult to control unless they are put out while they are still small. Here is an update on some of the largest fires burning in Arizona as of Friday. Large, 3-foot or higher bonfires are not appropriate, practicable or smart in the forest. Use your shovel to separate the burning pieces of wood in the fire pit and make sure they are soaked with water. It allows even the smallest ember to smolder for days, most times underground and unnoticed, until enough heat is built up to produce flames. There are an additional four prescribed or controlled fires burning across the state. Wildfires continue to cause issues in Arizona in June, including the Bush Fire that is now as large as Salt Lake City. She was also named Outstanding Newsperson of the Year by the UA School of Journalism. We use 5 different color-coded levels to help the public understand fire potential. Fire activity is increasing, officials say. This is a map of wildfires currently burning in Arizona. There are 12 total active wildfires burning in Arizona right now. Tucson saw its highest temperatures of the year this week and was under a red flag warning along with most of Southeastern Arizona on Thursday and Friday. 58: Arizona (2) California (16) Colorado (5) Idaho (10) Montana (6) Oregon (8) Utah (4) Washington (2) Wyoming (5) Acres from active fires: 3,955,965: Fires contained: 3 Starting June 7 in the Tonto forest, the Mountain Fire is believed to be a human-caused fire and is currently under investigation. (480) 595-3300, Globe Ranger District Wildfire season is in full swing with 19 active fires burning across Arizona, according to the Department of Forestry and Fire Management. In areas where there is not a source for water, carry in extra water if you plan to have a campfire. Below is a list of the top 10 largest active wildfires in the United States, according to official geographic data. Mesa, Arizona 85205 When the fire danger is "Extreme," fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely. (602) 225-5200, To report a wildland fire, (928) 474-7900, Tonto Basin Ranger District Most wood fires will spread slowly to moderately. Beware of the Duff - Duff is the layer of decomposing wood material that lies on the forest floor between pine needles and bare dirt. When the fire danger is "Very High," fires will start easily from most causes. To continue viewing content on tucson.com, please sign in with your existing account or subscribe. “But, all of that moisture created a heavy grass load some areas of the state have not seen in some time. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. Stir and Mix - Stir and mix water with the ashes until the fire is out. Never allow your campfire to burn down on its own. Many times it may look like dirt, but it isn't. For more information on specific fires, go to www.inciweb.nwcg.gov. Arizona’s fires are likely to continue until the Southwest Monsoon season kicks in later this summer, bringing daily doses of showers and thunderstorms to the parched landscape. Don't try to bury the fire under dirt, it can smolder for hours and then escape. Although Southern Arizona just saw its second-wettest May on record, monsoons are expected to roll into Tucson later than usual this summer. The purpose of this is for visitors to understand the current conditions and help mitigate their actions to prevent human-caused wildfires. “The abundant moisture we received last year significantly helped push us out of the severe drought conditions we faced last summer,” said Tiffany Davila, public affairs officer for the Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Supervisor's Office 2324 E. McDowell Rd. 28079 N. Az Hwy 188 Get alerts and smoke warnings in real-time for live wildfires. Fires will spread easily, with some areas of high-intensity burning on slopes or concentrated fuels. The fire, which began June 8, has resulted in a partial closure of Arizona Highways 88 and 188. We rely on readers like you to uphold a free press. These fires can be difficult to control and will often become much larger and longer-lasting fires. Wildfire: Of these fires, 641 have been human-caused. Duff burns, dirt doesn't. Feel the Ashes - Feel the ashes to be sure the fire is out. Smoking is allowed but only inside vehicles or buildings, or at developed sites. Three of them are in Arizona and one is inside the state line of New Mexico. Globe, Arizona 85501 As containment continues, fire resources in the area are being reduced. Arizona Wildfire News Arizona's biggest wildfires so far in June, 2016: The Brown Fire, Juniper Fire, Cedar Fire and Jack Fire. We have not been able to find your subscription. (928) 402-6200, Mesa Ranger District Unattended campfires and brush fires are likely to escape. For more information or updates on Arizona fires, visit the Incident Information System or Department of Forest and Fire Management website. Target shooting is prohibited. 40202 N. Cave Creek Rd. With a shovel, clear a circle 10 feet wide down to bare dirt. In recent days, the public has experienced heavy smoke and fog due to the fires, but firefighters expect that to decline in the coming weeks. Arizona is experiencing fewer wildfires than previous years, however. See our, Read a limited number of articles each month, You consent to the use of cookies and tracking by us and third parties to provide you with personalized ads, Unlimited access to washingtonpost.com on any device, Unlimited access to all Washington Post apps, No on-site advertising or third-party ad tracking. (480) 610-3300, Payson Ranger District With a master’s degree in journalism, Jasmine served in a variety of leadership roles, including The Daily Wildcat's editor-in-chief. This time last year, there were 889 wildfires burning over more than 81,000 acres. What are the different levels and what do they mean? Drown Briquettes - Charcoal briquettes should be extinguished by dumping into a pail of water, mixing thoroughly, and then place into the fire pit. Number of new large fires or emergency response: 2: States currently reporting large fires: Number of active large fires Total does not include individual fires within complexes.