Arizona Wildfires and Coronavirus: New Risks For 2020

ARIZONA — Wildfire season is just around the corner, but this year high temperatures aren't just a concern for fire officials compiling their forecasts. The spread of coronavirus is forcing the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management to take extra steps to protect its firefighters, measures that include daily temperature checks and social distancing in fire camps.

"Trucks will also be sanitized daily along with equipment and making sure they are deep-cleaned after each incident," said DFFM spokeswoman Tiffany Davila to KTAR News radio.

But between wildfires and pandemic, first responders will have their hands full. This year, the usual fire-related safety measures are coming at a time when DFFM reports "a higher risk for wildland fires" in areas hit with increased snow and rainfall.

Those wet weather patterns — the National Interagency Fire Center reports that some areas in Arizona recorded 150-300 percent of normal precipitation for March — resulted in a larger grass load in the state's central region and throughout the Sonoran Desert.

DFFM specifically named Wickenburg and Wittmann as areas facing higher fire risk.

"It is now more important than ever the public utilize extreme care when doing any type of outdoor activity that involves fire," the agency warned in an April 7 news release. It advised the public to use spark arresters on small equipment, never burn on windy days, put out campfires completely, secure town chains, and never pull vehicles off the road into vegetation.

In a statement included in the press release, State Fire Management Officer John Truett said that despite the array of local, state and federal resources available to reduce wildfires, they still need regular Arizonans to do what they can.

"It is imperative the people of Arizona stay vigilant, stay alert, and take extra precautions when working outdoors or recreating," Truett said. "It takes all of us to keep wildfire risk low and we are asking you to do your part."