Salt cedar can limit access for firefighting equipment and allow fires to burn hot and move fast.
Arizona forestry crews are battling an uncontrolled fire west of Phoenix, fueled by salt cedar vegetation that is sending large plumes of smoke across the area.
The Hazen Fire started Saturday in salt cedar along the Gila River east of State Highway 85 near Buckeye. The fire quickly consumed hundreds of acres, driven by the invasive plant, which is highly flammable and can make fires difficult to control, according to research by the University of California, Riverside…