Wildfires

Once wildfires come to an end, drivers should be on the lookout for flash flooding and other road hazards in areas with burn scars. If issues do occur, ADOT crews are ready to respond. 

ADOT Director Halikowski explains the role ADOT crews have in wildfire road closures and the challenges they face. 

Some motorists upset with road closures due to multiple fires burning in Arizona are taking their frustrations out on ADOT personnel staffing the roadblocks.

ADOT does not decide which roads to close. Closures are determined by fire incident commanders who work in conjunction with law enforcement and ADOT, and motorists may face legal penalties for attempting to get around a barrier or other method used to shut down a road.

Wildfires along state highways are a danger to both the traveling public and firefighters, so we all need to do our part to prevent them.

Following wildfires this summer, there is a high chance of flooding. Here is what ADOT is doing to deal with the issue.

As summer temperatures shoot upward, so do the number of brush fires alongside state highways. Here's what you can do to help stop wildfires.

PHOENIX – Over the weekend, State Route 87 was closed for a couple of hours south of Payson when a brush fire caused by a person broke out along the roadway. While the exact cause isn’t known yet, the 5.5-acre Oak Fire demonstrates why motorists should secure tow chains, properly inflate tires, check brakes and take other steps to reduce the risk of starting a wildfire.

Just one spark can cause all kinds of problems.

In addition to putting lives and property at risk, fires that spread quickly in dry brush can lead to highway closures and inconvenience for motorists.

Wildfires are an ever-present danger in Arizona. When State Route 80, just outside Bisbee, was determined to be at high risk, ADOT partnered with other state and local agencies to get ahead of wildfire season to mitigate risk factors.

Those signs saying don't park in tall brush or don't drag chains? There's a serious reason for them.

Five years ago, ADOT helped launch the Health Forest Initiative to help prevent large wildfires and protect infrastructure. Now we're expanding that effort.

New rules effective Jan. 1, 2020

Sparks from dragging chains, underinflated tires and tossed cigarettes can and do start fires along state highways. Here's how you can help.

Summer is right around the corner, and with it comes an increased risk of wildfires along state highways caused by motorists dragging chains, driving on underinflated tires and tossing cigarettes.

Director John Halikowski shares how the Arizona Department of Transportation collaborates with other agencies to improve service and save taxpayer dollars.

To get ready for fire season, Arizona Department of Transportation crews mow vegetation along highway shoulders in the winter and spring. They remove brush, thin trees and spray fire retardant within the ADOT right-of-way to prevent fires and slow the spread of those that occur.

PHOENIX – State Route 366 has reopened on Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona after a six-week closure due to the danger of flooding and debris flows after the Frye Fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The road, also known as Swift Trail, connects with US 191 about 20 miles south of Safford. It had been closed at Ladybug Saddle near milepost 131, but as of Thursday, Sept. 14, it’s open again to Columbine at milepost 143.

PHOENIX ‒ State Route 366 on Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona is closed until further notice because of safety concerns associated with flash floods and debris flows caused by the recent Frye Fire.

The road, also known as Swift Trail Parkway, is closed at Ladybug Saddle near milepost 31. The area is about 20 miles south of Safford.

The Noon Creek Picnic Area and Angle Orchard remain open to the public.

Drivers may encounter ADOT and US Forest Service crews working along the open section of SR 366. Delays as long as 30 minutes are possible.

Our #FridayFive includes wildfire info, a new reports on crashes, and even some toilet paper.

New signs will help motorists get the latest wildfire information.

Warmer temperatures usually mean wildfire season isn't too far away and Arizona drivers can help reduce wildfire danger.