Dry conditions, warm temperatures and gusting wind have created all the right conditions for a potentially dangerous fire season in Northern Arizona.

That was the message sent by Sedona Fire District Battalion Chief Jayson Coil during a recent SFD Governing Board presentation May 23. Coil worked the Gladiator Fire since May 14 and took time out from his duties at the fire to speak about the 2012 wildfire season. The outlook for fires, he explained, is high, thanks in particular to warmer than average temperatures and a moderate winter season.

The Gladiator Fire began May 13 and was estimated to be approximately 60 percent contained as of Tuesday, May 29. The fire is located in the area of Crown King south of the Verde Valley. The fire has burned more than 16,000 acres. Five homes have been destroyed as a result of the fire.

When assessing a fire season, experts typically look at historical data, he said.

For the full story, see the Friday, June 1, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.