The dry, hot summer has kept the Scottsdale Fire Department busier than normal this fire season.
Firefighters have already responded to at least 80 brush fires in or near Scottsdale this year, which higher than past years. During this time last year, Scottsdale firefighters responded to 73 brush fires and to 30 brush fires three years ago.
“We probably will surpass last year’s total just for the fact that our monsoon season didn’t really come like it normally does this year,” Scottsdale Fire Deputy Chief Kerry Swick told KTAR News 92.3 FM. “It was either late or non-existent, so there are still dry conditions out there. That’s why the brush fire season itself has been extended.”