The West has had a wet spring, but that hasn’t tamped down fire danger. The federal government warns parts of the region could have a potentially disastrous fire season this summer.
That includes southwestern Arizona, particularly this month and next. But the increased danger will extend through September in other parts of the West. U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewel said drought and climate change have exacerbated fire conditions.
The Agriculture and Interior departments say firefighting costs this season could go as high as $1.6 billion.
