Central Fire (Arizona)

The Central Fire was a wildfire that burned in Tonto National Forest in Maricopa County, Arizona in the United States. The fire, which was first reported on June 20, 2020, burned a total of 4,499 acre. It was contained on June 30, 2020 and was human caused.

Events
The Central Fire was first reported on June 20, 2020, around 11 AM, burning on the border of the Tonto National Forest and Bureau of Land Management land east of New River, Arizona. Fueled by dry grass, brush and hot temperatures within 24 hours it grew to 3,956 acre, expanding along top the New River Mesa. Select National Forest lands and roads were closed. The evening of June 22, it was announced that the fire was human caused.

By the morning of June 23, the fire was 23 percent contained and 4,499 acre. Due to the fire burning in a rugged area, crews were transported in via helicopter and utility vehicles. As of June 26, the fire was 80 percent contained and Burned Area Emergency Response assessments had started. On June 30, the fire was 100% contained.

Impact
The Central Fire, which burned during the same time as the Bush Fire, impacted air quality in the northern and eastern parts of Phoenix, Arizona.