Story at a glance
- The Telegraph Fire near Superior, Ariz. has burned more than 71,000 acres in four days.
- The fire grew rapidly over several days as dry conditions and high winds fueled the flames.
- Meanwhile to the east, the Mescal Fire near the city of Globe has burned 66,913 acres and is 23 percent contained as of Tuesday.
Two Arizona wildfires have burned through more than 100,000 acres as the state is currently experiencing “exceptional” drought conditions.
The Telegraph Fire has been burning since June 4 near the town of Superior east of metro Phoenix and has scorched an estimated 71,756 acres with no containment as of Tuesday afternoon, according to wildfire tracking website InciWeb.
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The fire grew rapidly over several days as dry conditions and high winds fueled the flames.
Officials believe the blaze was likely started by people, although the cause is still under investigation.
The wildfire is burning less than a mile from a community of about 250 people called Top-of-the-World, and just a few miles south of the mining town of Superior, which has a population of about 3,000.
Evacuation orders were issued for Top-of-the-World and the nearby town of Miami. Residents in Superior and nearby areas were told to be prepared to evacuate.
Meanwhile to the east, the Mescal Fire near the city of Globe has burned 66,913 acres and is 23 percent contained as of Tuesday. The cause of the fire, which started early last week, is still under investigation.
Residents in several areas southeast of Globe were told to prepare for possible evacuation orders.
While the fires are burning approximately 30 miles from one another, fire officials earlier this week said it’s unlikely they will merge.
No deaths or injuries have been reported in either wildfire.
The fires come as most of Arizona is experiencing “exceptional” drought conditions, the most severe level of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
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