Extreme temperatures sweeping across Arizona have fueled several wildfires, prompting evacuation orders for residents in parts of the state. The persistence of the sweltering heat has exacerbated the fight against these wildfires, adding strain to both the residents and emergency services.
Wildfire Ravages Sunflower in Maricopa County
In Maricopa County, approximately 160 residents from the Sunflower area were directed to evacuate on Sunday as a wildfire raged through the Tonto National Forest. Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez, coordinated the evacuations, directing residents towards Fountain Hills, where a shelter had been established.
According to Ron Coleman, a spokesperson for Maricopa County Emergency Management, the firefighting efforts were primarily aimed at containment. “At present, the fire is confined to its current area with monitoring and firefighting efforts set to continue overnight,” Coleman commented, “The bulk of the firefighting will resume in the morning.”
Heatwave Strikes Phoenix
Phoenix, located around 58 miles southwest of Sunflower, has been grappling with a relentless heatwave. The city has experienced a staggering 24 consecutive days with temperatures reaching or exceeding 110 degrees, the National Weather Service noted. Sunday’s peak temperature soared to a searing 114 degrees.
Yavapai County Under Threat
Simultaneously, over a hundred miles away in Yavapai County, residents in the Cherry community received orders to evacuate due to the threat posed by the RACETRACK Fire. The county, currently besieged by six active wildfires, experienced wind gusts reaching 50 mph on Sunday. The National Weather Service warned residents about shifting winds affecting the Grapevine and Race Track fires.
Maricopa County’s Heat-Related Fatality Toll
The onslaught of extreme heat across the state has resulted in at least 18 confirmed heat-related deaths in Maricopa County alone, with an additional 69 cases under review. As per the Maricopa County Department of Public Health’s latest report, the situation has placed considerable strain on local hospitals, dealing with a surge in heat-related illnesses.
