Dry, hot conditions in metro Phoenix spike fire danger
May 2, 2013, 8:15 AM
PHOENIX — After the Valley reached triple-digit temperatures last weekend, wind gusts of 35 mph and single-digit humidity will ramp up fire danger.
Meteorologist Gary Woodall with the National Weather Service said the areas of concern are Anthem, New River, Carefree, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, east Mesa and Apache Junction. Canyons and passes throughout southern Gila County may also be susceptible to strong winds.
“If a fire starts the conditions are favorable for the fire to spread quickly. People need to be cautious about fire,” Woodall said. “This time of year is our prime fire season. The temperatures are climbing and there’s no moisture in the air.”
About half of the state is under red flag fire-danger warnings, including Flagstaff, Payson, Prescott, Tucson and Yuma.
California is already battling blazes.
