Arizona's wildfire season blows into the state in full force. When conditions are just right: low rainfall, low moisture in the air, and high, dry afternoon winds. We've got a hot mix for fire season.

Wildfires can be devastating, and there are few places in Arizona that haven't be touched by fire in recent years. When our homes, our health or our families are threatened, it's important to take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Here are some tips on how to prepare for wildfire season in Arizona:

Create a Defensible Space Around Buildings

Create a defensible space around your home. This means clearing away flammable materials like dry grass, leaves, branches, and within a 30 foot boundary of buildings on your property. If a fire does break out, this helps slow or stop the spread of fire.

Create an Emergency Plan for Your Family and Pets

Consider putting together an emergency kit or go-bag, along with a plan of action. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do in case of a wildfire.

Stock your kit items like water, food, medications, flashlight, important papers, and anything else you'll need in case you have to evacuate. And don't forget to have pet carriers and supplies ready for your animals, too.

Plan and Prepare for Large Animal Evacuations

If you've got horses or livestock, make a plan in case you have to evacuate them. A good, solid livestock or horse trailer, plus food, harnesses, mobile water containers, and more, help ensure your animals will be ready to go.

Wildfire season can take its toll, but we can get through it if we're prepared.