© Arizona State Forestry
Arizona could face the most dangerous fire season in years, according to Gov. Doug Ducey and the state's chief forester.
And it's already starting.
"Last year, we burned less than 500 acres" by this time, said Jeff Whitney.
"So far this year we've burned over 21,000 acres."And it's not looking promising.
"Arizona faces a potentially significant wildfire season," the governor said after he had been briefed by Whitney and his staff.
It starts with the fact that there have not been major fires in the last two years. Add to that above-average rainfall and the subsequent growth of vegetation - which is now drying out.
Pinion Pine Fire Chief Joe Jackson said the Hualapai Mountains have seen significant moisture this year.
The upside is, the ground remains damp.
The downside is, the grasses that have grown thanks to rain and snowfall will eventually dry out, said Jackson.
The moisture has not been substantial enough to add more fuels than usual, said Jackson.
"We always have concerns with fuels," said Jackson. "The grass is growing from the rains and that will help carry fire."
Comment: This is the largest evacuation in the history of the Canadian province of Alberta.
Last year the wildfire season was a record breaker in the United States and Canada. The Amazon jungle was going up in smoke with tens of thousands of wildfires, while in Indonesia wildfires caused a toxic haze which threatened millions in southeast Asia. There have been devastating wildfires in Australia already this year and officials have warned of 'potentially significant wildfires' in some US states.
A study showed that wildfire seasons are more destructive and lasting longer almost everywhere on Earth.
Could a significant factor in the escalation of these events be that they are fueled from outgassing, then possibly 'sparked' by an increase in atmospheric electric discharge events, such as lightning strikes and other 'cosmic' ignition sources?