TUCSON, Ariz. - Fire officials are warning the public of the high fire risk on Wednesday due to expected high winds.
A Red Flag Warning has been activated for much of southern Arizona.
According to the National Weather Service, speeds in the Tucson metro area could reach up to 45 miles per hour. Other portions of the state could see up to 60 mile per hour winds.
Expected high winds and low humidity in the area create the perfect recipe for fires, according to John Walka, the battalion Chief for Rural Metro Fire Department.
Walka along with other fire departments across southern Arizona recommend people keep their homes clear of any dry vegetation and debris that could fuel a brush fire.
"Grasses are our primary wildfire threat here in Southern Arizona. Primarily buffel grass and fountain grasses. Those burn twice as hot and twice as fast as the native grasses," said Walka.
