Community heroes in the Phoenix area are answering the call as Arizona braces for what firefighters describe as one of the most dangerous fire seasons in recent memory.

A weekend welding incident near Prescott Valley demonstrated the swift response ordinary residents can provide when wildfire threatens their neighborhoods.

Central Arizona Fire and Medical confirmed that neighbors mobilized water trucks and fire extinguishers before crews arrived on scene after a fence welding project ignited nearby brush on July 26.

The flames consumed approximately 10 acres and crept within 30 feet of residential homes before being extinguished.

"Their actions bought critical time until professional firefighters could assume control," the agency reported.

The incident underscores growing concerns across the Phoenix metropolitan area where 66% of Arizona wildfires in 2024 were determined to be human caused.

State fire management officials warn this year could be catastrophic.

"This is one of the most critical years that we've seen in our careers," said John Truett, DFFM fire management officer. "You don't need an extreme event right now to have fire carry."

Phoenix Fire Department recently released a comprehensive urban wildfire preparedness report following devastating Los Angeles fires that killed 29 people.

The assessment focuses on wildland-urban interface zones where "natural fuels dry out in the spring and summer, elevating the risk when temperatures exceed 105°F and humidity drops below 15%".

Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management Fire Prevention Captain Chris Reed says the best way is to create defensible spaces around properties.

Valley fire departments are ramping up preparedness campaigns in response to the Los Angeles disaster and approaching summer heat.

Even small brush fires will bring a big response. "We like to say we can always turn trucks around, but waiting for them is the position we never want to be in."

Arizona experienced 2,162 wildfires in 2024, marking a 15% increase from 2023.

Fire officials expect activity to continue rising as large portions of Arizona are currently experiencing drought conditions ranging from severe to exceptional – the highest level.

The state operates 154 Firewise USA sites designed to educate homeowners on wildfire risk reduction.

Residents can access the Arizona Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal - or AZ WRAP - to find their property and the surrounding neighborhood to determine the level of risk their area faces.

Local fire departments urge homeowners to clear dead vegetation, maintain defensible space, and never leave campfires unattended as Arizona enters what could be its most challenging fire season yet.