Two wildfires east of Phoenix have now merged into one massive fire as crews continue to try to increase containment.
High winds from the thunderstorms last night caused the nearly 150,000-acre Telegraph Fire to spread near the town of Superior. It’s almost 60% contained and joined with the smoldering Mescal Fire, which is nearly fully contained.
Firefighters are focusing on protecting homes and other structures in several small communities under evacuation orders. The Telegraph Fire was human-caused and is under investigation. It’s now the sixth largest wildfire on record in Arizona. Governor Doug Ducey called a special session of the Legislature this week to consider $100 million in spending for wildfire prevention and suppression.
