May is National Wildfire Awareness Month. Drier conditions, warmer temperatures, and high winds are creating dangerous fire potential across Yavapai County.
According to fire officials, most wildfires in Arizona are human-caused. Specifically in 2024, approximately 66% of the wildfires were attributed to human activity. Arizona averages over 2,000 wildfires annually, burning hundreds of thousands of acres.
Key prevention tips include never leaving campfires unattended, extinguishing them completely before leaving the campsite, avoiding equipment use that could produce a spark, and checking local fire restrictions before heading outdoors.
Homeowners are advised to create defensible space around structures. That means clearing pine needles, dry grass, and debris at least 30 feet from their homes, and be sure to store firewood away from buildings.
Emergency preparedness is critical.
Residents are encouraged to assemble a “go-bag” with essentials like water, food, medications, first aid kit, flashlights, phone chargers, and pet supplies.
Be sure you know evacuation routes, and sign up for emergency alerts, like Watch Duty or Genasys Protect.
With wildfire danger rising, authorities stress that community awareness and individual action can make all the difference.