Residents in parts of Arizona were forced to evacuate on Sunday as firefighters battled multiple wildfires across the state amidst extreme temperatures that have persisted for weeks. Approximately 160 residents were ordered to evacuate from the Sunflower area in Maricopa County as a wildfire burned in the Tonto National Forest. Deputies were evacuating residents and directing them to the town of Fountain Hills, where an evacuation center had been set up.
According to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez, the fire was currently burning in place and crews would continue to monitor and fight the fire overnight. Additional firefighting efforts were planned for the morning. Sunflower is located about 58 miles northeast of Phoenix, which experienced 24 consecutive days of temperatures at or above 110 degrees. On Sunday, the city reached a high of 114 degrees.
In Yavapai County, over 100 miles away, where six active wildfires were burning, residents of the community of Cherry were also ordered to evacuate. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office issued a “go message” to residents, stating that the RACETRACK Fire was threatening the area. A special weather statement was in effect for parts of Yavapai County, warning of wind gusts up to 50 mph and advising residents to expect wind shifts for the Grapevine and Race Track fires.
These wildfires come as Arizona continues to battle extreme heat, with excessive heat warnings in place across central and southern parts of the state. Maricopa County has already recorded at least 18 confirmed heat-related deaths this year, with an additional 69 cases under investigation, according to data from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. The scorching temperatures have also put a strain on hospitals in the county as more people seek treatment for heat-related illnesses.
Maricopa County, home to Phoenix, is the fourth largest county in the United States in terms of population size. On Sunday, at least 44 million people were under heat advisories and excessive heat warnings across the desert Southwest, Intermountain West, South Texas, and South Florida, according to the National Weather Service. Over two dozen temperature records were either set or tied on Saturday in various cities across Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Puerto Rico, and Texas.
CNN Meteorologist Gene Norman contributed to this report.
What factors have contributed to the rapid growth and spread of the wildfires in Arizona?
Ontinued to grow due to strong winds and dry conditions. The exact cause of the fire is unknown.
Meanwhile, in Pinal County, the Telegraph Fire prompted the evacuation of approximately 700 residents. The fire, which began on Friday, quickly spread and has now burned over 175,000 acres. As a result, several roads in the area have been closed and power outages have been reported.
Authorities have declared a state of emergency in response to the wildfires, as resources are stretched thin with multiple fires burning simultaneously. Firefighters from various agencies have been working tirelessly to contain the blazes, but their efforts have been hampered by the challenging conditions.
The ongoing heatwave in Arizona, with temperatures reaching as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit, has exacerbated the fire danger. The extreme heat, combined with dry vegetation and strong winds, creates a perfect storm for wildfires to thrive.
Residents in affected areas have been urged to follow evacuation orders and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This includes gathering important documents, medication, and essentials before leaving their homes. Local authorities have provided shelter and support services to those evacuated from their homes.
Unfortunately, wildfires have become a recurring problem for Arizona in recent years, and this year seems to be no exception. The combination of extreme temperatures and arid conditions makes the state particularly susceptible to these devastating natural disasters. It is crucial for residents to remain vigilant and prepared while authorities work to contain the fires and protect the affected communities.
It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation caused by these wildfires in Arizona, compounded by the extreme heat wave. My thoughts are with those who have been forced to evacuate. Stay safe and let’s hope for a swift containment of the fires.