Arizona Wildfire

A devastating wildfire named the Tussock Fire is ongoing in the state of Arizona, causing mass ruin and death of plant life on its path. It has been extremely devastating to Arizona, requiring evacuations across the state. The initial Tussock fire began in the afternoon hours of May 8th, near Prescott National Forest. The dry limber and arid weather provided an optimal environment for the fire to rapidly grow. Weather conditions to be weary of in wildfire-prone areas are high temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity, all of which were present in Crown King, Arizona about one week ago. Additionally, the area where the fire first began was covered with many foothills spaced closely together. This lethal combination packed a deadly force, causing the fire to require urgent attention.

Fortunately, firefighters were able to respond critically in times of need. They have recently attempted to contain a 1.5 square mile area of fire near Bartlett Lake, as well as a ¼ square mile region that flows along the Gila River in Arizona. As of May 11th, 4,400 acres have been claimed by the fire. People living in the areas of Minnehaha, Horsethief Basin, and Fort Misery were ordered to evacuate their homes and travel to a safe and appropriate location. Moreover, inhabitants of the region were banned from creating or tending to a fire of any kind, and were strictly warned not to smoke in open air. Many roads, highways, and parks were also closed, such as the Senator Highway. On May 13th, people residing in the three areas mentioned above were permitted back to their homes, as the fire was no longer an immediate threat.

One of the most frightening things about the fire was that it was man made, like 96% of all wildfires across the country. People should be encouraged to use fire safety outdoors, and they should be taught about the risks that accompany making fires in forested areas. Charities are listed below, which aim to help firefighters, people affected by the Tussock Fire, and to help restore the damaged environment.

Charities

Salvation Army Phoenix

• Donate at the register at any Bashas’ or Food City location across Arizona to provide care and comfort to our neighbors affected by wildfires and support the men and women battling on the front lines.

• https://www.salvationarmyphoenix.org/bashas-fire-relief-az

National Forest Foundation

• Wildfires, invasive insects, and overuse have left millions of acres in urgent need of restoration - and your gift helps to plant trees, restore watersheds, and protect crucial habitats. Don't wait to make a difference for this precious land.

• https://support.nationalforests.org/give/298614/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=WEB&c_src2=UNR0000WEBOrangeSupport

Works Cited

Andone, Dakin. “Two Arizona Wildfires Prompt Evacuations and Scorch More than 6,000 Acres.” CNN, Cable News Network, 10 May 2021, www.cnn.com/2021/05/09/us/arizona-copper-canyon-fire/index.html.

“Facts about Wildfires.” III, www.iii.org/article/facts-about-wildfires.

Gabbert, Author Bill. “Tussock Fire Burns Thousands of Acres Southwest of Crown King, Arizona.” Wildfire Today, 10 May 2021, wildfiretoday.com/2021/05/09/tussock-fire-burns-thousands-of-acres-southwest-of-crown-king-arizona/.

News, Author: 12. “Evacuations Ordered after over 4,400 Acres Burned in Tussock Wildfire near Crown King.” 12news.Com, 9 May 2021, www.12news.com/article/news/local/wildfire/crews-fighting-tussock-fire-burning-northeast-of-wickenburg/75-bc6ab8b9-c669-4432-a8da-3d8013393a0e.

“Wildfire Continues to Grow in Central Arizona Hill Country.” U.S. News & World Report, U.S. News & World Report, www.usnews.com/news/best-states/arizona/articles/2021-05-11/wildfire-continues-to-grow-in-central-arizona-hill-country.

“Wildfire Continues to Push Toward Crown King Near Prescott.” U.S. News & World Report, U.S. News & World Report, www.usnews.com/news/best-states/arizona/articles/2021-05-10/wildfire-continues-to-push-toward-crown-king-near-prescott.