May is National Wildfire Awareness Month. We take a look at controlled burns, impacts of climate change and the costly destruction from wildfires.
The latest fire, which has not been named, is burning off of Horseshoe Lake Road near mile marker 8 on the Cave Creek Ranger District. This area is near Horseshoe Reservoir. Right now, one fire engine and a helicopter from the Payson Fire Department are fighting the flames, with two fire engines and hotshot crews from Mesa and Payson on the way.
Fire crews are responding to a wildfire off Horseshoe Lake Rd at MM 8 on the Cave Creek Ranger District. One engine and the Payson helicopter are responding with 2 engines and the Mesa and Payson Interagency Hotshot Crews enroute. The fire is currently estimated to be 100 acres.With temperatures beginning to heat up, fires are likely to continue, but there are some ways that you can prevent them from starting. According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, some ways to prevent a wildfire from sparking include: Make sure a campfire is out by dousing it with water, stirring it and repeating until it is cool to the touch when you touch it with the back of your hand Use proper burn barrels when burning debris, never leave the fire unattended and make sure it is completely out before walking away. Also never burn on windy days. Drivers can also help prevent wildfires with these tips: Check your tire pressure, as under-inflated tires can cause your wheel to touch a road or trail and cause sparks Tighten trailer chains and other equipment so they don't drag on the ground and cause sparks The ADFFM also has a mobile app that will alert users when a wildfire is in their area. The app can be downloaded in theReplace or repair any loose or missing shingles to prevent embers from getting inside your home Clean debris from attic vents and install the 1/8 inch metal mesh on those vents as well Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and other flammable materials from getting in Move any flammable materials away from exterior walls, including mulch, plants, leaves and firewood piles The NFPA also advises keeping lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches or less, keeping at least eight feet of space between trees, along with having fire-resistant construction on your home, including fire-resistant roofing and siding. The NFPA also says to know and practice an emergency action plan with all of the occupants of your home in case of a wildfire, as that can save lives. If evacuations are required due to a wildfire, they will be issued using the 'Ready, Set, Go' method, according to the Arizona Emergency Information Network. If a 'Ready' alert is issued, that means you need to be aware of hazards that can threaten your community and make sure you have an emergency kit ready to go with enough supplies to last 72 hours. If a 'Set' alert is issued, that means that you should consider voluntarily evacuating to a shelter or go to family or friends who are outside of the evacuation zone. You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app! The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like"Today in AZ" and"12 News" and our daily lifestyle program,"Arizona Midday"—on 12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.KPNX would like to send you push notifications about the latest news and weather.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
National Guard delays Alaska staffing changes that threatened national security, civilian rescuesThe Air National Guard has delayed personnel changes in Alaska that could have threatened national security and civilian rescue missions
Read more »
National Guard delays Alaska staffing changes that threatened national security, civilian rescuesThe Air National Guard has delayed a plan for its Alaska unit that would have converted 80 Active Guard and Reserve members to dual status tech positions.
Read more »
Mysterious horseshoe-shaped monument with weapons unearthed in FranceArchaeologists from the French National Institute of Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) who led the excavation work described this unusual ancient structure as “unprecedented.”
Read more »
National Guard delays Alaska staffing changes that threatened national security, civilian rescuesThe Air National Guard has delayed personnel changes in Alaska that could have threatened national security and civilian rescue missions.
Read more »
Horseshoe Huddle Roundtable: Predicting the Colts' First-Round PickThe staff at Horseshoe Huddle gives their predictions as to what will happen for the Indianapolis Colts tonight in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Read more »
Crews fighting 'Sugar Fire' in Tonto National ForestThe Range Fire is burning just north of Florence, Arizona. Watch the video for the latest details and the safety issue preventing crews from fighting the flames.
Read more »