Sidewinder Fire burns more than 30 acres in Arizona

FLORENCE, Ariz. — Crews gained control of the Sidewinder Fire in Pinal County before it could threaten homes, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

AZDFFM said the Sidewinder Fire burned 57.6 acres in an area northeast of State Route 79, 6 miles south of Florence, just north of Cactus Forest. The progression of the fire has been stopped and it is 50% contained.

Ground crews were able to bypass the fire and engine crews were able to prevent the fire from reaching nearby homes.

AZDFFM says fire activity is decreasing and currently fire trucks, hand crews and water trucks are still at the scene of the fire trying to put it out. About 75 people in total were assigned to fight the Sidewinder fire.

The department says this fire was started by someone burning debris.

Officials are reminding Pinal County residents that a burning ban is in effect. More information on the ban can be found by clicking on this link:

This is a developing story and more details will be added as they become available.

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As temperatures rise, fires are likely to continue, but there are ways to prevent them from starting.

According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, here are some ways to prevent a wildfire from starting:

• Make sure a campfire is extinguished by dousing it with water, stirring it, and repeating until it feels cool to the touch when you touch it with the back of your hand.
• Avoid using a chainsaw or welding equipment on windy or high fire risk days.
• Use appropriate burn barrels when burning debris, never leave the fire unattended, and make sure it is completely extinguished before walking away. Never burn on windy days either.
• Do not target shoot or use fireworks on state land as this is not permitted.

Drivers can also help prevent wildfires with these tips:

• Don't throw cigarette butts out of a car window
• Check your tire pressure, as underinflated tires can cause your wheel to contact a road or trail and cause sparks.
• Never park or drive on dry grass or brush, as a hot engine can start a fire.
• Tighten trailer chains and other equipment so they do not drag on the ground and cause sparks.
• Check your brake pads as worn pads can also cause sparks due to metal-to-metal contact

ADFFM also has a mobile app that will alert users when a wildfire breaks out in their area. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

And there are ways to keep your home safe in the event of wildfires, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. These include:

• Make sure your roof and gutters are free of fallen leaves and debris that could catch fire.
• Replace or repair loose or missing shingles to prevent embers from entering your home.
• Install 1/8-inch wire mesh to reduce embers that might pass through vents in the eaves.
• Clean the debris from the attic vents and install the 1/8-inch wire mesh over those vents as well.
• Repair or replace damaged or loose screens and broken windows
• Screen or enclose areas under patios and decks with wire mesh to keep debris and other flammable materials out.
• Keep all flammable materials away from exterior walls, including mulch, plants, leaves and piles of firewood.
• Remove anything stored under decks or porches

The NFPA also advises keeping lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches or less, keeping at least eight feet of space between trees, as well as having fire-resistant construction on your home, including including a roof and fire-resistant cladding.

The NFPA also recommends knowing and practicing an emergency action plan with everyone in your home in the event of a wildfire, as it can save lives.

If evacuations are necessary due to a wildfire, they will be issued using the “Ready, Set, Go” method, according to the Arizona Emergency Information Network.

If a Ready Alert is issued, it means you need to be aware of the dangers that may threaten your community and ensure you have an emergency kit ready to go with enough supplies to last 72 hours.

If a Set Alert is issued, it means you should consider voluntarily evacuating to a shelter or going to family or friends who are outside the evacuation zone.

If a “Go” alert is issued, it means you should evacuate immediately.

You can find out more about the Ready, Set, Go system by clicking here.

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