Fire Season Explodes in Arizona

The Sunset Fire is one of three large wildfires burning that may directly impact the Phoenix metro area says About Guide to Phoenix, Judy Hedding. At least 250 homes were evacuated near the Tonto National Forest about 20 miles northeast of Phoenix.
Western U.S. fire season is heating up for Summer 2005. A handy resource to help keep up with latest fire locations and information is About's Current National Fire Maps and Conditions. It displays a current wildfires map, a drought index map, a fire danger rating map and wildfire potential indicator.
One rule of thumb for forest fire seasons: If you live west of the Mississippi River your season is in the summer and dominated by drought (August is the worst month). If you live east of The River your seasons are late fall through early spring when frost creates tinder on the forest floor...
Forest Fire and Prescription Burning Sites