ALT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 31, 2023 For Information: Public and Media Phone Line: (602) 428-5397 Whether you work hard or play hard, prevent wildfires APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz- The Southwest Prevention and Information Committee (SWPIC), comprised of federal, state, and local fire prevention professionals in Arizona and New Mexico, urges southwesterners to practice wildfire prevention while working and playing outdoors. The Southwest has been experiencing record-high temperatures, with little precipitation. These conditions create a high probability of wildfire starts of which most in Arizona and New Mexico are human-caused. Many people are familiar with wildfires starting from unattended campfires or escaped debris burns, but few are familiar with wildfires that start from equipment and vehicles. Chains dragging and throwing sparks while towing RVs and boats and inadequate spark arresters on four-wheelers and other off-road vehicles can all cause wildfires. Overheated equipment, mow

ALT Cartoon photo of desert landscape. Headers says "Southwesterners" with FPET and SWCG logos. Text on photo says "work hard play hard. Prevent wildfires: Secure trailers chains. Maintain Equipment. Prevent sparks. Don't park on tall dry grass." QR code takes scanner to Linktree site.

ALT Split image with one half mountain landscape, the other a desert landscape. A house with a silhouette of a man using a leaf blower to move leaves from in front of the house. Text reads "Create defensible space. Plan preparation fire safety". SWCG and FPET logos in bottom corner.

ALT Up close image of chainsaw cutting through a down tree in a forested area and the sun shines brightly in the distance. Text reads "keep from sparking a wildfire. Do the right thing the right way. Spark arrestor in working order. Be aware of rock and wind". FPET and SWCG logos in bottom corner.