PHOENIX (AP) - Forecasters say the dry and windy weather on tap for parts of eastern Arizona early this week means conditions are ripe for wildfires.
The National Weather Service has issued fire weather watches for parts of east-central, northeastern and southeastern Arizona from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.
Winds with gusts up to 45 to 55 mph are forecast.
Forecasters say that means any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. They also say outdoor burning is not recommended.
Places covered by the watches include the Little Colorado River Valley, Tonto National Forest foothills and eastern Pima County.