What’s up with the Diamond Fire?
Many were concerned about the heavily publicized Diamond Fire that burned in North Scottsdale and the Rio Verde Foothills area this past week. It was reported that over 1000 people were evacuated. The fire started on Tuesday around 4:30pm near 130th Street and Ranch Gate Road, and residents were allowed to return to their homes (some covered in fire retardant) by Wednesday evening, according to news reports. Authorities are actively investigating this fire and have acknowledged it was human-caused, though they have not provided details about the ongoing investigation. Various news sources have reported that the fire was caused by a construction crew, and video has been released to this effect.
How much land is affected by wildfires?
Fires have burned over 1.6 million acres of land in Arizona in since 2020, and last year, in 2022, 1,444 wildfires burned 124,323 acres in Arizona. Three of the nation’s most destructive wildfire seasons on record have occurred since 2015, according to data provided by the National Interagency Coordination Center.
What causes wildfires?
Every year, nine out of ten wildfires are human caused, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Dragging chains, tire blow-outs and other vehicle-related incidents cause fires every year. Most of the roadside wildfires during the past year have occurred in the vicinity of Flagstaff, Heber and the Grand Canyon, according to a map provided by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
How can we prevent wildfires?
There are some easy ways to prevent forest fires. One way to prevent roadside wildfires is to check tow
chains to ensure that they are secure. Additionally, check your tires to ensure
that they are in good shape before heading north. Furthermore, do not pull your
vehicle off the road into vegetation, as the heated undercarriage can start a
fire. Obviously, do not throw cigarettes from car windows. While using any type of
equipment that may throw sparks, ensure its equipped with a spark arrester. If
you head into the forest to recreate, be aware of fire restrictions.
When is wildfire season?
Wildfires can happen at any time of year in Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Arizona has already seen over 50 fires in 2023, according to AZ Central. Heavy rains in the early part of the year pushed back the start of the wildfire season this year, but the extra vegetation that ensued could cause a more active wildfire season in coming months. Click here to see a map of current wildfires in Arizona and around the country.
RESOURCES:
City Sun Times on the Diamond Fire
