Gov. Doug Ducey and state officials have warned that this year’s wet winter raises the threat of wildfires.
The wet winter means more growth to fuel fires. But there’s a new element of danger this year. Arizona fire officials say the coronavirus restrictions will reduce the ability to use ground crews.
There are also limits in how much aircraft can be used. State Fire Management officer John Truett says this will be one of the state’s most challenging seasons.
“This is going to be a very trying time to try to fight fire with the COVID-19 and the CDC protocols and still try to maintain firefighter safety,” Truett said.
He added that the plan is to fight fires while they are still small, but as they grow, officials will have to reduce the ground teams to limit the risk of spreading the virus.
