Memorial Day Weekend-"Let-s Be Careful Out There!!

Phoenix, ARIZONA Fire danger is approaching extreme in some areas of the state with high to very high the rule and warm, dry, and breezy conditions are predicted for the weekend. This weather coupled with extremely dry vegetation means almost any new fire start has the potential to become another Rodeo-Chediski or Cave Creek Complex. There are many ways to prevent fires; some are common-sense obvious like obeying the campfire and smoking restrictions that are in effect across most of the state. Others are not so obvious. Below are some of the causes of wildfires in Arizona that might surprise you: * Driving on a flat tire, the rim and pavement caused sparks setting a multi-thousand acre grass fire, * A dragging safety chain from a boat trailer set off a series of fires on the way to Lake Pleasant, * Every year, wildfires are caused by vehicles with hot catalytic converters parking on dry vegetation, * Ricocheting bullets have caused numerous wildfires in the lower elevations of Arizona, * Setting signal fires, by lost or injured individuals, has caused numerous wildfires, * Weed-eaters, chain saws, welders, and other internal combustion engines have caused numerous fires even when there use was not banned, * Improperly maintained brakes and wheel bearings, especially in trailers and * Discarded charcoal and glass are responsible for numerous fire starts. And from the believe it or not category: * One individual started a fire in the middle of fire season by welding on his trailer---in the middle of his communitywith his trailer full of sawdust, the results were obvious. * Still another person decided to eliminate his beehive problem with a stick of dynamite hanging from a pole, another bad idea during any season, let alone fire season. * Fires have been documented from sparks caused by shod horses along a trail, children throwing rocks against other rocks causing sparks resulting in a wildfire, and cigarettes, * Such as the one tossed by an individual out his pick-up truck window, setting his camping gear on fire in the back of the truck as well as starting a small wildfire. There are restrictions concerning off-road vehicle use in many areas because of the increased chance of ignition from spark arrestors and mufflers, and hot engines. Please obey all off-road vehicle restrictions and posted signs and notices. And speaking of being careful out there, as one high-country ranger noted, It is never a good idea to remove your childs car seat from the family sedan, strap it onto a four wheeler, put young junior in it and take off across the country as I saw recently. Also, helmets are the one of the best safety item kids old enough to ride can have---if parents require them when riding their bicycles, they should be required when riding their dirt bikes, she concluded. Fire restriction information can change on a daily basis and the various federal, state, local and county agencies all have differing mandates and restriction notices. It is always best to call ahead to the local office where you plan on visiting or working to get the most up-to-date information. The latest fire restriction information can be found on websites www.azfireinfo.com and gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/ or by calling toll-free 1-877-864-6985.