Monsoons to pose challenge for fire crews

PHOENIX — A forecast of monsoons coming this weekend has left Arizona firefighters with one more thing to worry about as they battle hot dry conditions around the state.

Fire officials said Friday fire crews are bracing for potential floods and dry lightning as thunderstorms develop around active wildfires.

The risk of wildfires throughout the state will remain high until the weather moves fully into Arizona’s traditional summer rainy season, said Bill Boyd, spokesman for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

The shift in weather patterns usually runs from mid-June to the end of September and is characterized by thunderstorms that stir up dust storms, rain and lightning throughout Arizona.

Boyd said low humidity is a major factor in sparking wildfires and crews are keeping an eye out for lightning without accompanying rain.

“When we hit our monsoon season in Arizona the relative humidity is higher and it affects the moisture in the fuel and that’s the main thing that helps us out,” Boyd said.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Jessica Nolte said there is currently enough moisture in the atmosphere to catalyze storms but not necessarily any rain. Nolte said those storms create the potential for dry lighting.

“Any of the winds from those dry thunderstorms could cause challenges for those working to contain the fires,” Nolte said.

Spokeswoman Tiffany Davila said the upcoming storms are giving officials dealing with two different wildfires burning in communities in north-central and southern Arizona concerns regarding possible flooding because of the expansive loss of vegetation caused by the blazes.

The wildfire burning in mountains overlooking Tucson scorched through 39.6 square miles (102.5 sq. kilometers) since starting last week. Fire officials said Friday it was contained around 19 percent of its perimeter as nearly 700 firefighters and other personnel were assigned to battle the blaze.