What is it about major national events these days that cause us to act so irrationally?

It's happening again. Arizona families are hitting the store shelves in droves, once again stocking up on truckloads of comfort toilet paper and cleaning supplies.

Wildfires in California causing panic buying in Arizona
People in Arizona are panic-buying because they're nervous about the fires in California. // Canva
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This time, experts point to the California wildfires as the impetus for the sudden surge in panic buying. Now, some Arizona stores are limiting the purchase of certain items, hoping to stem the tide of panic.

READ: Another New California Law Will Have More Moving to Arizona

Wildfires in California causing panic buying in Arizona
Experts say the supply chain is not in danger. // Canva
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Déjà Vu All Over Again: Panic Buying Returns to Arizona

It's like déjà vu all over again. Remember the massive panic buying we saw during the pandemic lockdowns? It seems like panic purchasing has become our new tradition whenever anything unpredictable happens in Arizona.

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Wildfires in California causing panic buying in Arizona
The intense wildfires in California are sending shockwaves across Arizona. // Canva
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Since California is experiencing intense wildfires, the shockwaves are now being felt across state lines.

Some Arizona grocery stores are being forced to limit household staples like toilet paper, paper towels, and laundry detergent to prevent a repeat of the frenzy we saw during the pandemic.

READ: How California's New Gas-Powered Car Ban Could Ruin Arizona

I get it: people are worried. Shoppers have once again emptied the shelves of essentials like milk, eggs, toilet paper, and bread.

Wildfires in California causing panic buying in Arizona
Shoppers have seen empty shelves yet again. // Canva
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Arizona Stores Missing Shipments, Redirected to California

There are reports that local stores have missed shipments, saying resources are being diverted to help wildfire victims in California.

Once again, the shortages are not caused by a lack of supplies; instead, they're likely caused by the temporary reallocation of items to where they're most needed, specifically the stores close to fire evacuees so shoppers can restock items they had to leave behind as they fled their homes.

Wildfires in California causing panic buying in Arizona
Experts are begging shoppers NOT to panic-buy. // Canva
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Experts don't believe the supply chain is in danger and stress the importance of staying calm and avoiding hoarding.

Sources: Fox10 Phoenix | JP Morgan 

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