Around The Cracker Barrel - Ready, Set, Go: Wildfire and Monsoon Safety in Green Valley, Southern Arizona (Aired 05/15/2026)

This week on Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley welcomed Deputy Chief Joe O’Brien from the Santa Rita Fire District for an important discussion on wildfire preparedness, monsoon safety, and the many ways the department serves the Green Valley community. As May marks National Wildfire Awareness Month, O’Brien emphasized the importance of defensible space around homes, especially in areas near the mountains, and praised the region’s many Firewise-certified communities for helping reduce wildfire risks. He also shared how the department prepares months in advance for wildfire season with specialized training, interagency cooperation, and deployment readiness.

The conversation also focused on Southern Arizona’s intense monsoon season and the dangers that come with flooding, lightning, and high winds. O’Brien urged residents to respect road barricades and avoid driving through flooded washes, reminding listeners of the department’s “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” message. He explained how quickly floodwaters can become deadly and discussed the dangerous rescue operations firefighters often perform during severe storms, including helicopter rescues from fast-moving water.

In addition to emergency response, the Santa Rita Fire District continues to expand its community outreach efforts through programs like Camp Nitro, kindergarten fire safety education, Fire Corps volunteer services, smoke alarm installations, and lockbox assistance for residents. The discussion wrapped up with practical snake safety tips as snake season ramps up across the region. Deputy Chief O’Brien thanked the community for its ongoing support and encouraged residents to stay alert, prepared, and safe throughout the summer months.