State forestry officials are preparing for the upcoming fire season.
Tiffany Davila, spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, says recent rain and snow has caused a growth spurt of grass in foothills across the state, meaning more fuel.
“Last year, we really didn’t see our fire activity increase well into the end of June. That’s not what we’re gonna see this year. We’re gonna see above average fire activity in certain parts of the state, central Arizona, down into southern Arizona," she said.
Davila also says the department works with federal partners to reduce wildfire risks and protect infrastructure. Officials are already at work on fuel mitigation projects.