Asked & Answered: Why highways close when wildland fires ignite nearby
Asked & Answered: Why highways close when wildland fires ignite nearby
During Arizona summers, it’s not uncommon for wildland fires to result in the closures of highways. When this happens, we’re usually asked why the highway is closed or restricted when the fire isn’t on the road.
It’s a fair question and the answer is simple: Safety. For the traveling public and first responders fighting the fire.
Sometimes these fire-caused, unplanned highway closures or lane restrictions are brief and allow crews to position themselves to best fight the fire. But in other situations, depending on the size or location of the fire, or weather and wind conditions, it just isn’t safe for vehicles to drive past and an extended closure of the highway is necessary. A recent example of this is the Sand Stone Fire, which closed southbound lanes of State Route 87 south of Payson for several days.
Some of the safety concerns considered by fire officials that may lead to restrictions or closures during a wildfire include:
- Wildland firefighters parking trucks and equipment on or near the highway so that they can safely do their jobs.
- Smoke from the fire reducing visibility for motorists.
- Aircraft dropping water or fire retardant near the highway.
- Current and forecast weather conditions.
And although a wildfire may appear miles away from the highway, firefighters can often predict the direction the fire is headed and will make decisions to keep everyone safe.
“Safety drives these decisions,” Brett Rupp, an ADOT highway maintenance supervisor in Payson, said. “We don’t want motorists driving through raging flames and we don’t want personnel worrying about oncoming cars when they’re trying to get from the median to the other side of the road while a fire burns.”
We can all do our part to help reduce the chances of igniting wildfires while driving (and the delays associated with it) by:
- Avoid parking your vehicle on dry grass or driving through tall grass.
- Never throw a lit cigarette out of a vehicle.
- Make sure trailer chains are securely attached.
- Check tire pressure before you travel.
Be patient and be prepared. Pack an emergency travel kit that includes extra water, healthy snacks, sun protection, a fully charged full and prescription medication. And if you are waiting in a backup on a highway that is closed, stay in your lane and don’t get out of your vehicle. Do not drive onto the shoulders of the highway as first responders use that lane.