What You Need to Know About Wildfires
Wildfires are fast‑moving, destructive fires that spread through brush and woodland. In recent years, they have grown and severity, destroying millions of acres and causing significant property damage. States in the southwest—especially Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico—face high wildfire risk due to drought and extreme heat.
What Causes Wildfires?
Human activity causes nearly 85% of wildfires, often due to carelessness:
- Unattended or improperly extinguished campfires
- Burning debris where it’s not permitted
- Carelessly discarded smoking materials
- Fireworks
- Equipment sparks (vehicle accidents, metal scraping roads, etc.)
Natural causes account for about 10%, including lightning strikes, meteor strikes, and volcanic activity.
Why WUI Matters
The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) is where wildland meets homes and developed areas. Fires in these zones are harder to control and often more destructive. National, state, and local agencies now focus heavily on reducing WUI risk by working directly with communities.
Firewise Program
Firewise is a national program that helps residents reduce wildfire hazards and strengthen community resilience.
Locally, CERT of Green Valley supports the Firewise program by coordinating assessments and communication between HOAs and the Arizona Department of Forestry & Fire Management (DFFM).
Learn more:
https://dffm.az.gov
https://drexelfire.org (once logged on click on Fire Prevention for further information).
Prepare Your Home:
- Clear leaves and debris from gutters, roofs, porches, and decks.
- Screen or enclose areas under decks with metal mesh.
- Move firewood, propane tanks, and flammables at least 30 feet from structures.
- Trim trees so the lowest branches are 6–10 feet from the ground.
Prepare Your Family
- Assemble an emergency kit with documents, medications, and essentials.
- Create and practice a home evacuation plan.
- Plan two ways out of your neighborhood and set a meeting point.
When a Wildfire Is Nearby
- Stay informed through local media, fire agencies, and alerts.
- Load your emergency kit and valuables into your vehicle.
- Move outdoor furniture and mats away from structures.
- Close all home openings, including vent covers and garage doors.
- Be aware of any mandatory evacuation orders
Additional Resources
Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention: Guidelines for wildfire safety and home protection- https://wildlandfire.az.gov/wildfire-prevention
Pima County MyAlerts: Sign up for emergency notifications and updates
Search: Pima County – MyAlerts