Wildfire is a natural part of a desert ecosystem, but it becomes problematic when it impacts people or destroys habitat. Wildfires can happen any month in Arizona, but most wildfires occur March through June. Wildfires can be initiated by natural events, such as lightning, or by human events, such as campfires, downed power lines or parking a car over dry brush. Monsoon thunderstorms can initiate wildfires if there is lightning with limited precipitation (sometimes called “dry lightning”).

National Interagency Fire Center monthly/seasonal outlook

View the National Interagency Fire Center monthly national significant wildland fire outlook.

Significant fire potential

Monthly outlooks