Two Arizona wildfires continue to grow, but some residents allowed to go home
Two large wildfires in eastern Arizona continue to grow, but there was progress with one of the blazes in reducing the threat to nearby communities, officials said Tuesday.
The Telegraph Fire has burned 71,756 acres and the Mescal Fire has scorched 66,913 acres, according to the Interagency Incident Information Center.
While the Mescal Fire has grown since Monday, authorities told some residents on the San Carlos Apache Reservation they could return home.
“Firefighters have been successful in reducing the fire threat to important infrastructure, resources and communities,” fire officials said.
As of Dec. 10, 30 residents were sick along with 23 employees. Three residents were hospitalized.
While two residents have recovered, another six have died.
âWe are heartbroken by the loss of members of our resident family. We mourn with their loved ones and extend our sympathies. Our incredible associates have worked so hard and continue to go above and beyond each day,â said Gary Olson, executive director, in a Dec. 10 release. Olson has since contracted COVID-19. He said the numbers reflect only the current situation, not an overview of the entire pandemicâs impact on the facility.
The facility isolates any resident who tests positive, and associates who test positive only return to work once CDC guidelines for returning to work have been met.