Winds led Arizona fire to spread, crews contain problem spot

SUPERIOR, Ariz. (AP) — High winds from thunderstorms on Tuesday evening caused a wildfire in south-central Arizona to spread, but crews were able to contain the problem spot to prevent further growth.

Crews working the Telegraph fire south of Superior were focusing on protecting homes and other structures in the El Capitan community, which, like five other nearby areas, remained evacuated.

The fire has burned 231 square miles (or 600 square kilometers) and was 59% contained as of Wednesday morning. The human-caused fire was first reported on June 4.

On Monday, the fire merged with an already burned portion of the neighboring Mescal fire, which had burned near Globe and was 90% contained as of Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

A separate wildfire in Graham County has burned 24 square miles (or 63 square kilometers). None of the blaze has been contained.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.