• What are the chances Arizona could experience devastating California-type wildfires?
  • How Arizona prevents massive wildfires and how it's different than California.
  • How you can help prevent wildfires on your property.

Watching the wildfires devastate Southern California is daunting. Like many of us, I have friends who live in danger zones, and we're all scrambling to make sure they keep us informed as the fires advance.

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With the destruction making daily headlines, it's natural to wonder if Arizona could face a similar fate. I wish I had better news, but the short answer is yes, it's possible that Arizona could see the apocalypse-level devastation that's happened in SoCal.

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Why Arizona Could See Wildfire Devastation Like California

Arizona and California have some conditions in common, making wildfires a real threat in our state: hot, dry climates and dense vegetation.

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Arizona doesn't have California's hot, dry Santa Ana winds. However, Arizona has been known to whip up some impressive winds, especially in late spring and early fall, which can quickly inflame wildfires.

READ: California Fires Causing Surge of Panic Buying & Shortages in AZ

The Arizona Advantage

As we've seen in the past, Arizona deals with wildfires quite differently than California. Arizona has some tricks up its sleeve, which could make dealing with a similar situation vastly different in the future.

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Unlike California, Arizona cities have a robust water supply system to support firefighting efforts. Phoenix, for example, boasts one of the largest and most reliable water distribution systems in the Southwest, which means firefighters would have ample water supply to battle blazes.

Preventing Massive Wildfires in Arizona

Arizona has dealt with wildfires and constantly works to stay ahead of them. These efforts prevent wildfires from turning into full-blown disasters.

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Preparation is key when it comes to fighting wildfires. The state has been proactive, with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management investing in projects to mitigate wildfire risks. The department works at thinning out dense brush and creating firebreaks to slow the spread of wildfires.

READ: Californians are STILL Moving to Arizona in Record Numbers

Residents can help lower the risk by staying informed about fire restrictions and practicing fire-safe behaviors:

  • Create a defensible space by clearing brush and debris around buildings
  • Avoid outdoor burning when there's a high fire danger
  • Secure chains while driving so sparks don't ignite brush along roadways
  • Use ashtrays rather than throwing lit cigarettes outside
  • Trim trees and bushes around buildings
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If we take these simple steps, especially when we're dealing with high-risk conditions, we can all make a difference when (not if) the wildfire danger comes to Arizona.

We can work together to prevent wildfires in Arizona from becoming a large-scale tragedy.

Check out this real-time, interactive map to see where wildfires are currently burning.
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Sources: Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management | US Forest Service | KTAR News | Wildfire Watch | National Fire Situational Awareness

LOOK: Counties with the worst droughts in Arizona

Stacker compiled a list of counties with the worst droughts in Arizona using data from U.S. Drought Monitor.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: Where people in Arizona are moving to most

Stacker compiled a list of states where people from Arizona are moving to the most using data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in the Phoenix metro area

Stacker compiled a list of cities with the fastest growing home prices in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro using data from Zillow.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

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