Early monsoon rainfall in the area has hopefully diminished one summer danger that’s been lingering for a while – extreme fire hazard conditions.

While other parts of Arizona and states throughout the West have had to contend with lightning- and human-caused sparks turning into wildfires, we’ve been fortunate in this immediate area to not suffer any huge blazes.

Let’s hope it stays that way.

As anyone who has lived here for more than a year can attest, however, there are plenty of other dangers associated with the monsoon – blinding dust, lightning strikes, falling trees (or other flying debris) and washes flooded from storm runoff.

There are still a few large open wash crossings in Fountain Hills going across streets that can pose hazards when significant amount of runoff occurs. When in doubt, it’s usually better to turn around and find a different street where there is a culvert accommodating a wash and its runoff.

Such places as Indian Bend Wash, unincorporated areas in northern Maricopa County or even McDowell Mountain Road between Fountain Hills and Rio Verde can pose flooding dangers this time of year.

They don’t call it the “Stupid Motorist’s Law” for nothing. Let’s avoid the flooded washes this summer and having to pay for any rescue efforts.