AZ Department of Forestry and Fire Management monitors fires across the state

Published: Tuesday, July 4, 2023 - 2:59pm
Updated: Wednesday, July 5, 2023 - 3:22pm

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management has eyes on several fires across the state — most recently, the Charlie Fire.

Tiffany Davila with the department said it’s been burning since late Sunday night northeast of Vail and north of Interstate 10.

“It was highly visible due to the location on a hillside,” Davila said. “We do know it was human-caused.”

Davila said the fire wasn’t intentionally set, but that it was avoidable. She cited dry conditions and lots of “fine fuel,” like grass, in the area.

As of Monday, the Charlie Fire burned 1,776 acres.

The Diamond fire, near Scottsdale, has burnt nearly 2,000 acres. Davila said it’s roughly 94% contained, but locals might still see some smoke.

“We’re getting some dust devils coming off that fire,” Davila said. “So, no cause for alarm. That is very usual for that type of situation especially when the winds pick up.”

The department is also monitoring other fires, including the 10,000 acre Beehive Fire fire, which broke out near Nogales last week.

Wildfires