Tinder-dry vegetation sets the stage for wildfires in Catalina Mountains north of Tucson

Tinder-dry vegetation in mid-elevations of the Catalina Mountains has set the stage for wildfires this spring, and visitors to the range should take every precaution to avoid igniting a blaze, say Coronado National Forest officials.

Recent weeks of dry and uncommonly warm weather have contributed to the elevated fire danger.

“Vegetation at the low to mid-elevations is extremely dry and flammable,” said Heidi Schewel, spokeswoman for the forest. “Abundant tall grasses elevate the potential for large wildfires. Windy weather would favor large fire growth should an ignition occur. In areas where buffelgrass is present, it complicates the equation further.”

Buffelgrass, a non-native and invasive species, is known for fueling fast-moving fires once it is ignited.

Schewel said parts of the Catalinas are overgrown with grasses known as “carryover fine fuels” — resulting from relatively high precipitation levels in 2016.

“They have dried out and are now cured and flammable,” she said. “Also, the combination of moisture late in the season last year, with the warm temperatures early this year, may contribute to significant spring growth, providing additional vegetation available to fuel a wildfire.”

Stop the spark

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No restrictions on campfires or smoking are currently in effect in the Catalina Mountains, Schewel said.

But she urged mountain visitors to take critical precautions.

“Wildfires occurred on the Coronado National Forest every month in 2016 and every month to date in 2017,” she said. “It’s critical for people to use caution with fire — any time of the year, in any location.”

The key: Prevent the spark that can ignite a fire.

“Secure tow chains so they don’t drag,” Schewel said. “Don’t weld outdoors on windy days. Use ashtrays. Avoid recreational shooting in locations with an abundance of dry vegetation. Use grills and fire rings provided in developed recreation sites.

“And never leave a campfire unattended for any reason, for any length of time. Carry plenty of water to extinguish it and ensure it’s cold to the touch before leaving it.”