As of Sunday, the Department of Forestry and Fire Management, along with local and federal agencies, are working to suppress nearly 30 wildfires throughout Arizona.
The 1200-acre Tee Fire, coupled with the Lizard Fire burning in the southern portion of the state and the Highline Fire along the Mogollon Rim, are creating concern for State Forester Jeff Whitney.
State Forester Jeff Whitney urges the public to be careful around fire.
Whitney is advising the public to make sure campfires are completely out before walking away, never drag tow chains, and never pull off the side of the road in tall grasses.
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire, along with the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Central Area Wildland Response Team, and state fire departments are spread thin across the state.
“A wildfire knows no boundaries. That is why the Department of Forestry and Fire Management and our local and federal partners collaborate to get suppression of these fires. We must work together for our communities and for our great state. As we hustle to fight these fires, we ask the public to do their part and be vigilant around fire and proactive around their properties,” said Whitney.
Fire restrictions are in place on state lands throughout central and southern Arizona.
Since January 1, 858 wildfires started in Arizona and have burned more than 130,000 acres.