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The Conversation
The Conversation
Environment
Molly Hunter, Associate Research Professor in Environment and Natural Resources, University of Arizona

The Southwest is on fire, iconic deserts and towns are at risk and Biden has issued a disaster declaration

Southwest New Mexico Joe Biden ARIZ Arizona Flagstaff Las Vegas Ruidoso
Wind quickly spread a blaze that burned homes near Flagstaff, Ariz., in April 2022. Coconino National Forest via AP

New Mexico and Arizona are facing a dangerously early fire season. It has left neighborhoods in ashes and is having such devastating effects that President Joe Biden issued a disaster declaration for New Mexico. Over 600 fires had broken out in the two states by early May, and large wildfires had burned through hundreds of homes near Ruidoso and Las Vegas, New Mexico, and Flagstaff, Arizona.

We asked wildfire scientist Molly Hunter at the University of Arizona to explain what’s fueling the extreme fire conditions and why risky seasons like this are becoming more common.

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