Arizona Gov. Ducey issues emergency declaration for Telegraph, Mescal fires

PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued an emergency declaration Wednesday in response to two wildfires raging about 100 miles east of Phoenix.

The governor said the declaration will make as much as $400,000 available for firefighting and other response efforts to put out the Telegraph and Mescal fires.

Ducey tweeted the announcement, saying the state “will spare no expense and do what needs to be done to protect the people and properties in these communities.”

The Telegraph Fire has consumed nearly 81,000 acres near Miami, becoming the 10th-largest wildfire burn in state history. It is 21% contained as of Wednesday morning.

The Mescal Fire burning on the San Carlos Indian Reservation has blazed through about 71,000 acres and is 33% contained.

Ducey said additional funds were coming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Fire response was “a top priority,” Ducey told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show on Tuesday morning.

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