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Telegraph Fire Latest Updates: Over 91K Acres Burned, Evacuations Ordered in Arizona

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Telegraph Fire Latest Updates: Over 91K Acres Burned, Evacuations Ordered in Arizona

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Arizona's Telegraph Fire continued to burn Monday, marking the eleventh day that the wildfire has moved across the state.

As of June 14, the fire has scorched 91,227 acres. The fire began on Friday, June 4, though an investigation is ongoing as to what prompted the blaze.

While fire crews made progress in battling the blaze over the weekend, evacuation notices were ordered by the Gila County Sheriff's Office on Monday. The order asked all residents in El Capitan to leave if they were located on either side of Highway 77. Evacuation orders were also issued for the Dripping Springs and Beverly Hills areas.

The orders were shared on social media by Gila County Health and Emergency Management.

Smoke from the wildfires has been seen in various parts of Arizona, with photographs uploaded to social media, tagging the location it was seen from. The Gila River Police posted pictures on Twitter of the smoke to the east of the Gila River Indian Community.

"Good luck and stay safe to all firefighters battling these wildfires," the police department wrote in the Tweet.

Smoke from wildfires burning to our east can be seen over the sky’s of GRIC. Good luck and stay safe to all firefighters battling these wildfires. #azfire #TelegraphFire pic.twitter.com/opyGjSyk1d

— Gila River Police (@GilaRiverPolice) June 14, 2021

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality forecast with an ozone high pollution advisory on Monday and Tuesday in the Phoenix area.

Over 900 fire personnel are fighting the fire, according to the Telegraph Fire InciWeb page. The fire is currently 74 percent contained, and the estimated containment date is June 20.

On March 22, Gov. Doug Ducey announced during a news conference that the 2021 wildfire season was expected to be similar to 2020.

"We have more vegetation on the ground this year that can act as a fuel for wildfires, so we're already seeing a heightened risk to our communities," Ducey said.

The 2020 wildfire season was the second-worst wildfire season in Arizona history, with 2,520 wildfires destroying close to 980,000 acres of state, federal and tribal lands according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

The governor announced on June 10 a session of the Arizona Legislature to secure resources to fight wildfires and potentially hazardous flooding after the fires during monsoon season.

"The men and women fighting these fires are doing an amazing job but we have a lot more to do, and our response won't end when the fires are put out," Ducey said in the press release. "When this year's monsoon rains come, these burned areas are prone to floods, landslides and mudslides. We will work with our partners in cities, towns and counties to ensure resources are available to prevent that destruction."

Live updates have concluded for this story.

Arizona Telegraph fires
In this photo from June 6, a firefighter uses a burnout operation in the Oak Flat area on the Telegraph fire. Over 900 personnel have been deployed to help contain the blaze. Provided by InciWeb
Helicopter dropping water on wildfire
A helicopter dropping water on a wildfire. 971 personnel have been deployed to help combat Arizona's Telegraph wildfire.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) posted a satellite video showing the spread of the Telegraph and Mescal fires. Multiple wildfires across the state have burned more than 165,000 acres this year, with the Telegraph fire accounting for more that 91,000 acres alone.

#SATELLITE SPOTLIGHT: @NOAA's #GOES17?️ is keeping a close eye on Arizona's #TelegraphFire and #MescalFire this afternoon, with the satellite's GeoColor imagery (left) and Fire Temperature imagery (right). Multiple wildfires across AZ have burned more than 165,000 acres. #AZwx pic.twitter.com/g1fp5A0EaH

— NOAA Satellites - Public Affairs (@NOAASatellitePA) June 14, 2021

Meteorologist Jorge Torres also posted a video on Twitter, reporting that smoke from the Telegraph fire is helping to attract water molecules to form clouds.

"This will impact air quality and may keep temperatures on the 'not-as-hot' side," Torres tweeted.

Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (AFMA) said unpredictable fire behavior was expected from the Telegraph fire as the extreme heat and dry weather continued.

AFMA crews continue to assist with night operations on the #TelegraphFire . Extreme heat and dry weather continue to bring unpredictable fire behavior to personnel on the incident. #wildfires #ReadySetGo #AZwildfires #azfiremedical pic.twitter.com/aXtgjKOmAS

— AZ Fire & Medical (@AZFireAuthority) June 14, 2021

The Telegraph Fire Information page also recently created a Twitter account in addition to their Facebook page, allowing for updates to be followed on both social media sites.

Photojournalist David Wallace shared photographs he took of the Telegraph fire from a distance on Twitter, as access to the public lands has been temporarily banned.

"[With] high temps and virtually no humidity the #TelegraphFire is showing aggressive behavior," Wallace tweeted.

W/ high temps and virtually no humidity the #TelegraphFire is showing aggressive behavior. I was granted no access to cover from fire officials but here are some scenes from a distance. pic.twitter.com/6tbWnLuead

— David Wallace (@DavidWallce) June 14, 2021

Similar photos of smoke seen from various locations in Arizona were also shared on Twitter, and one user tweeted: "Lots of smoke seen from the #TelegraphFire this morning. Mixing with ozone & over 110° this week so keeping inside. Hope everyone stays safe."

Planning Operations Section Chief Chad Rice gave an operations briefing video on Facebook where he discussed the increased activity from the fire.

"The Highway 60 Corridor still has some activity with some of the dry weather we're experiencing. There's still some hot spots, interior, south of Highway 60, that the crews are having a presence and addressing any concerns as they arise," Rice said.

The Arizona Department of Environmental of Environmental Quality also issued a high pollution advisory for June 14 and 15, with an ozone high pollution advisory in effect for the Phoenix area.

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) meteorologist Matt Pace posted a video to Twitter showing the movement of smoke from the Telegraph Fire.

"Large amount of smoke produced from the #TelegraphFire overnight into this morning. Smoke seen on satellite moving toward the W/NW. Most smoke moving away from the fire is elevated well off the ground," Pace wrote.

Large amount of smoke produced from the #TelegraphFire overnight into this morning. Smoke seen on satellite moving toward the W/NW. Most smoke moving away from the fire is elevated well off the ground. #azwx #azfire pic.twitter.com/OQkxLR6G8a

— Matt Pace (@MattPaceWeather) June 14, 2021

The Arizona DEQ released a wildfire smoke forecast on Monday morning, detailing the movement of smoke from the Telegraph fire, saying smoke impact should be mainly light but cautioning residents in affected areas to stay aware.

"We expect greater smoke production today than what we have seen over the past few days due to strong surface heating, dry conditions, and active fire behavior," the Arizona DEQ wrote.

"An important note: There will be a possibility of high-based (dry) thunderstorms near/over the region, resulting in strong gusty outflows winds this afternoon and again tomorrow afternoon. As a result, smoke could move in any direction and cause brief but moderate to high smoke impacts to locations around the fire."

The forecast for Monday calls for residents to "stay smoke aware" throughout most of the day, and to minimize outdoor activity from 6 p.m. Monday evening until 12 a.m. Tuesday morning.

An evacuation notice was issued on Monday for the Beverly Hills area south of Highway 70 by the San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission, and was posted to social media.

The release stated residents in the area are now under a "Go" evacuation order, and should seek shelter at the High Desert Middle School or Gilson Wash Activity Center.

#TelegraphFire #Evacuations - GO! Notification issued for the Beverly Hills area S of Hwy 70 by the San Carlos Apache Tribe https://t.co/uPqxTyIh0i #AZFire pic.twitter.com/ukFGeY7JD9

— wildlandfireAZ (@wildlandfireAZ) June 14, 2021

"The Apache Gold Casino RV Park is accepting evacuees with camp trailers and livestock may be held at the Apache Gold Pavilion," the statement reads.

The Arizona Bureau of Land Management announced the Emergency Fire Closure issued on June 6 is still in effect for public lands southwest of the fire.

Closures are within the boundaries of west to Ray Mine, south to mile point 156 on Route 77, east to the San Carlos Apache Reservation and north to the southern boundary of the Tonto National Forest.

Entry into the closed public lands is temporarily prohibited, as well as entry into the White Canyon Wilderness.

San Carlos Apache firefighters
SHOW LOW, AZ - JUNE 27: Freddie Lupe, Sr. and other members of the elite firefighting crew of the San Carlos Indian Reservation watch for hot spots along the southeast flank of the Chediski /Rodeo... David McNew/Getty Images

The Arizona Bureau of Land Management released information on the Telegraph and Mescal fires, including a link to the Mescal Fire Information Facebook page stating this would be the last daily update on the fire unless significant changes occur.

The Mesca fire remained at 72,250 acres burned with no increase in size over the past four days. The fire is currently 88 percent contained.

See posts, photos and more on Facebook.

The public and media lines for the Mesca fire will be disconnected at 8 p.m. local time on Monday, June 14.

Mescal Fire Information also reported a new fire, called Gravel Fire had started on Sunday afternoon.

"The cause is under investigation and firefighters worked late into the night to fire out and catch the new start," Mescal Fire Information said on Facebook. "While no communities are under evacuation orders due to the Mescal Fire, residents are encouraged to stay abreast of potential evacuations due to the Gravel Fire as well as the Telegraph Fire."

Telegraph Fire Information released a morning update on June 14 for the fire, detailing recent movements of the fire and the evacuation status of surrounding areas.

El Capitan and Beverly Hills have received the "Go" evacuation status, indicating residents should evacuate their homes due to "imminent and life threatening" danger.

Superior, Globe, Pinto/Carlotta and the Battle Axe area have received the "Ready" status, indicating they should "create and maintain defensible space and harden your home against flying embers."

Top-Of-The-World, Bellevue, Oak Flat, Miami, Central Heights, Six Ice and Claypool have received the "Set" status, indicating they should be prepared to evacuate in the case of an evacuation order.

The fire has now burned 91,227 acres and is still at 74 percent containment. 971 personnel have been deployed to help combat the blaze.

Firefighters are working to hold the fire west of Highway 77, where the fire is expected to be active.

Telegraph Fire Tonto Forest
Currently the Tonto National Forest is under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. In the background, dense smoke issues from the heel of the Telegraph Fire (west). Provided by InciWeb

Evacuations were ordered for the Dripping Springs area by the Gila County Sheriff's Office at 8:00 am local time on Monday.

The emergency advisory is under the "Go" status, meaning individuals should evacuate as the danger is "imminent and life threatening."

The advisory was published on social media by the sheriff's office and the Gila County Health and Emergency Management.

Evacuees are advised to head for a Red Cross Evacuation Shelter at the High Desert Middle School in Globe, and to avoid Highway 77 as it has been closed due to the fires.

Earlier today, El Capitan residents on both sides of Highway 77 received an evacuation order from Gila County Sheriff's Office.

Other areas affected were "Oaks Mobile Home and RV Park, Miami area west of Miami Town Limits, Miami south of Highway 60 from Dairy Canyon to Mackey's Camp," according to a Tweet from ABC journalist Nicole Grigg.

NEW EVACUATION ORDERS: GO: El Capitan residents on both sides of Highway 77, Oaks Mobile Home and RV Park, Miami area west of Miami Town Limits, Miami south of Highway 60 from Dairy Canyon to Mackey's Camp #TelegraphFire

— Nicole Grigg (@NicoleSGrigg) June 14, 2021

For more reporting on the El Capitan evacuation, see Newsweek's coverage.

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