Tucson Standard

Monsoon season can bring pounding rain plus strong gusts of wind and sudden, dry lightning, which can create a perfect storm for wildfires.

When monsoons occur and do not immediately drop powerful rain, there is a risk of wildfires, experts said.

"Typically, during monsoon season is when we start to see a decrease in our fire activity: the precipitation, the somewhat cooler temperatures, and that increase in humidity," Tiffany Davila, spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, told KGUN. “But, if we don't have any of that, then that's just going to prolong our fire season."

Davila said approximately 80% of wildfires in Arizona are caused by people. While monsoon season usually brings wildfires to a halt, there are years when the monsoon season is dry, and dry lightning becomes a threat.

"Last year, for instance, we had that abundance of moisture," Davila said. "So, it really put a stop to our fire activity very quickly. The year prior to that, we really didn't have a monsoon season. So, we were constantly running from one fire start to another because of all the dry lightning associated with those storms."

Each storm during monsoon season can bring different hazards.

"The outflows [air movement] on those things can be really erratic,” Brian Robinson, a Northwest Fire District firefighter, said. "Sixty miles an hour, plus, I've experienced. Blows that fire everywhere, causing spot fires. Containment lines are compromised. And it can be a very bad situation. And you just come back in when things blow over and try to pick up the pieces. And might have to come up with Plan B."