Wildfire

Arizona's hot, dry climate makes wildfire a significant concern year-round. Wildfires often begin unnoticed and can spread quickly, igniting brush, trees and homes. In its aftermath, a wildfire can cause flooding or disrupt transportation, gas, power and communications. 

A few simple steps can help reduce the effects of wildfire for your home, business and family. Follow the Ready, Set, Go! program to learn what actions to take before an emergency and during an evacuation.

BEFORE

Family

Home and Property

  • Have Their Backs. Learn to live Firewise®.
    • Create a 30 to 100-foot safety zone around your home by removing vegetation and other flammable materials Don’t forget to check the rain gutters and under the deck.
    • Creating this “defensible space” protects your home and the firefighters that may have to defend it.
    • Clear items that will burn from around the house or other structures, including wood piles, lawn furniture, barbecue grills, tarp coverings, etc. Move them outside of your defensible space.
    • Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the property.
    • Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your name and address.

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DURING 

  • If you are not ordered to evacuate, know the actions to take to be SET just in case.
  • If advised to evacuate, make sure you Go! immediately.
  • If you are not ordered to evacuate but smoky conditions exist, stay inside in a safe location or go to a community building where smoke levels are lower.
  • Continue monitoring NOAA Weather Radio and local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.

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AFTER

  • Send text messages or use social media to reach out to family and friends. Phone systems are often busy following a disaster. Make calls only in emergencies.
  • If you have evacuated, do not enter your home until emergency officials say it is safe.
  • Check with local authorities to make sure your water is safe to drink.
  • Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and safe use of masks.
  • Be aware that wildfires dramatically change landscape and ground conditions, which can lead to increased risk of flooding due to heavy rains, flash flooding and mudflows. Flood risk remains significantly higher until vegetation is restored—up to 5 years after a wildfire. 

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RESOURCES

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