Gov. Ducey: AZ may see its most dangerous fire season in years

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Governor Doug Ducey and state fire officials are warning that Arizona could face its most dangerous fire season in years.

Fire officials said the reason for the significant fire season this year is because Arizona has had two years of minimal fires.

That combined with above average rainfall and growth of vegetation and grasses could lead to wildfires in communities all across the state.

Officials said this time last year, less than 500 acres had been burned by wildfires in Arizona, while this year more than 21,000 acres have already been lost.

Local firefighters are encouraging everyone to create a "defensible space" around their homes.

"Around your house if you envision 30 to 50 feet of clear cut mowed grass and wood piles away from your house, debris, those are things that can contribute to a fast-moving fire," said Stuart Rodeffer of the Northwest Fire District.

Local wildland firefighters said each fire district has the training in place and would be ready to go at a moment's notice, if a wildfire were to break out in southern Arizona.