How Cochise County Prepares For Potential Wildfires

Back in 2011, the Monument Fire started on the Huachuca Mountains. The event was caused by a number of factors: an unexpected deep freeze that killed cactus and other plant life across the county, the dead, dry grasses left standing on the mountainside, and days of hot, dry winds. All it took was a spark to create a crisis that Cochise County will never forget.

Cochise County now has an early warning system designed to keep us informed about impending dangers, such as fire weather.

The Monument Fire on the Huachuca Mountains | Photo by Val Davidson/TSM

What A Fire Weather Watch Really Means In Arizona

A Fire Weather Watch is the National Weather Service's notice that conditions are lining up for potentially dangerous wildfire behavior.

In Arizona, that usually means a combination of strong winds, very low humidity, and dry vegetation. Just like conditions that lead up to the Monument Fire, these are the ingredients that could spark a fast‑moving wildfire.

For example, a recent watch issued by the National Weather Service warned of 18–25 mph winds with gusts up to 40 mph and humidity dipping to 10–15%, which is prime fire‑spread territory.

In 2011, the Monument Fire was one of the worst in Cochise County's history. // Photo by Val Davidson/TSM

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A Fire Weather Watch doesn’t mean a fire will start; it means conditions are favorable enough that everyone should stay alert. That means we should avoid burning anything outdoors and keep an eye on updates.

If conditions worsen, NWC can upgrade the alert to a Red Flag Warning. That means there are dangerous fire conditions happening right now. The National Weather Service defines a Fire Weather Watch as an alert for the potential development of Red Flag criteria within 12–72 hours.

How To Stay Informed In Cochise County

If you live in Cochise County, signing up for emergency alerts is one of the smartest things you can do, especially during our windy spring fire season.

The Huachuca Mountains during the 2011 Monument Fire. Photo Val Davidson/TSM

Cochise County participates in Arizona’s county‑level emergency notification systems, which send out weather alerts, wildfire notices, evacuation info, and other urgent updates. You can get these on your phone or in your email. The Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention site links directly to each county’s signup portal, including Cochise.

Once you’re registered, you’ll get real‑time notifications for everything from Fire Weather Watches to flash flood warnings, dust storms, and more. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay ahead of fast‑changing Arizona weather. It’s also a great way for us all to work together to prevent another tragedy like the Monument Fire.