Monsoons and Wildfire and Heat, Oh My!

by Crystal Coons
Jul 16, 2003

It's that time of year again -- Monsoons and wildfire. Humidity abounds, frizzing the hair I've worked so hard to get just right. There's something really sad about this time of year, and then again, something that is so wonderful. Destruction and reconstruction is the theme. Wildfires seem to get worse each year, taking down acres and acres of our beautiful forests. Whether man or Mother Nature started these fires, there is always a resounding feeling of sadness when the news reports yet another one. Almost like a feeling of mourning.

Last year's Rodeo-Chediski fire was the worst fire in our state's history. Swallowing close to 500,000 acres of land, and approximately 300 homes and businesses, the Rodeo-Chediski fire was quickly declared a disaster area, and prompted a visit from President Bush.

Fire season is a difficult time for all of us, but more so for the folks that are forced to evacuate their homes. The great American dream that they've worked their lives to achieve could be gone in an instant due to the carelessness of someone else. To this date this year alone, hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes due to fire danger. Once the fire season gets kicked off, the storms begin. Generally coming up from the south of Mexico, the Monsoon

Monsoon	(mo'n-SOON)
A season in Arizona of high winds and moisture, normally during July, August, and September. The Arizona Monsoon begins officially after the third consecutive day of the dew point reaching 55 degrees or higher, indicating higher humidity. During the monsoon, dust storms are typical, and rainfall is increased, causing flash floods.

poses a great threat to our cities. Due to our desert climate, it takes what an Easterner would consider very little rain to quickly flood the streets and make the simple task of driving a very dangerous one.

Lightning abounds in the sky as the rain pours down, and brings walls of dust that, if you’re not careful, can quickly fill your soda cup with gunk and dirt. The Monsoons are usually welcome by locals, as it's been quite a few months since the last rainfall. There are no chants of "rain, rain, go away, come again another day". Instead, children fill the streets and run and dance in the rain. It is a welcome change. After the destruction of the fire season, it seems that Mother Nature replenishes the earth with days of steady rainfall to instigate growth to replace what was lost.

Do we really need reminding? It seems so. Here's a list of common, yet forgotten rules to help keep our forests safe:

CAMPFIRES: If you're heading up north, or to the woods for a camping trip, be sure that your fire is 100% extinguished before leaving.

GARBAGE: Mind cigarettes and lighters. Keep a bag tied up for your garbage. It takes one minute of carelessness to start a forest fire that will take down 1000 acres.

WATER: Make sure you have a few gallons of water with you to put out any campfires, as well as to help with any car troubles or dehydration.

SIGNALFIRES: In the event you are lost and a signal fire is your last hope, make sure to put it out fully when you are found. It's difficult to remember in times of panic, but it could save the forest.

TOOLS: Shovels and axes are important to have around when camping, as they can aid in putting out the campfire. It is recommended to spent approximately 90 minutes tending to putting out the fire. By the time you leave, you should be able to place your hand above it and feel no warmth.

Summer in Arizona

Arizona	(air-i'-ZON-u')
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada.

is an interesting time. Keep our forests safe, and enjoy the warm weather.