State says it's better prepared for wildfires
May 03, 2013
State officials say they have more resources ready this year to deal with wildfires.
The state has several new trucks, and Governor Jan Brewer says she's confident firefighters are prepared. But state Forester Scott Hunt says it could be a busy a fire season.
"Most of our fuels are starting to drought very rapidly. Most of them are ready to burn now. Higher elevations, there is still a little moisture but with these wind events its drying rapidly," Hunt said.
The state forestry department says like last year, it's most concerned about higher wildfire potential above 3,000 feet, in perennial grasslands, chaparral brush and pine forests. The agency says Sonoran desert areas also have a moderate increase in fire potential this year.
