Inciweb

The Middle Fire near Cave Creek on July 8, 2021.

Although the arrival of the monsoon has given Arizona a reprieve from major wildfires, it has also brought lightning, which means firefighters are still busy.

The Middle Fire is burning about 28 miles northeast of Cave Creek. Like other fires burning in the state, it was started by lightning, and a pause in monsoon rains has allowed the fire to remain active, though growth has been slow.

Firefighters are looking for ways to protect structures in the area and have sent helicopters to assist other fire crews.

With more rain in the forecast, conditions for fighting the blaze could improve considerably.

So far this year, more than 1,000 fires have burned hundreds of thousands of acres in Arizona.