Hundreds ordered to evacuate as 2 large wildfires rage in Arizona, U.S.

Two large wildfires are raging in Arizona, U.S., over the past couple of days, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate. The first one, Telegraph Fire, has so far spread through 16 636 ha (41 109 acres) and the other — Mescal Fire, 20 084 ha (49 631 acres) as of Monday, June 7, 2021.

The Telegraph Fire has been raging south of Superior since Friday afternoon, June 4, and is now near the southern edge of Tonto National Forest.

An evacuation has been ordered for residents in the area of Top-of-the-World, a community of around 250 inhabitants, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office said Sunday, June 6.

"If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand emergency services may not be able to assist you further," it warned.

As of Monday, the Telegraph Fire has burned 16 636 ha (41 109 acres), according to InciWeb.

The second blaze, Mescal Fire, started on June 1 southeast of Globe and northeast of Drippings Springs.

On Saturday, June 5, the fire prompted authorities to evacuate people on the side of State Route 77 near El Capitan, as well as the Soda Canyon near San Carlos Lake. El Capitan is a community of about 4 800 people. It wasn't confirmed how many people were evacuated.

Evacuation orders included the area of San Carlos High School, according to the tribal emergency response commission.

Mescal has scorched 20 084 ha (49 631 acres).

No casualties or injuries have been reported so far, and the causes of both fires are under investigation.

Officials noted that winds and dry conditions, including dry grass and shrubs, have helped generated the flames.

Featured image credit: Sedona Fire District