More than 146,000 acres have already burned.
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey issued declarations of emergency in response to wildfires raging in two Arizona counties. The emergency declarations will make up to $400,000 available for the firefighters who, along with safety officials, have been working around the clock to protect residents in Gila and Pinal Counties.
The governor said the state “will spare no expense and do what needs to be done to protect the people and property in these communities,” and he urged residents to be “fire-wise” and take the threat of wildfires seriously. Evacuation orders are in effect for several communities in those counties.
The areas around the “Telegraph” and “Mescal” wildfires is so dry firefighters’ heavy equipment is causing small flareups. “The blades and the tracks of the [heavy equipment] sparking against the fuels have actually created some fires along the fire line,” said fire information officer Dean McAlister.
The fires come at a time when scientists say the region is suffering the second-worst drought in over 1,000 years. Windy conditions and climbing temperatures combined with low humidity and no rain are increasing the risk of fire.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the firefighters, safety officers, and others who are battling the wildfires in Arizona.
- For the people in the counties who are facing the encroaching wildfires.
- For federal, state, and local officials supporting fire prevention measures.
- For the Bureau of Land Management as they maintain and update fire restriction information for public lands.
Sources: KPNX, Washington Examiner, CNN
