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Flag Fire Update, April 27, 2021

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Colorado River District Office

Media Contact:

Acres: 1,400 acres (did not fly due to limited visibility)
Percent Containment: 0% 
Start Date: Sunday, April 25, 2021
Cause: Under Investigation 
Origin Location: Hualapai Mountains; S of Pine Lake, Arizona      
Fuels: Ponderosa pine at higher elevations, brush, and grass 
Personnel Assigned: 275 

Firefighters on the Flag Fire are utilizing recent moisture to their advantage   

Kingman, Ariz. [April 27, 2021] – Firefighters on the Flag Fire burning in the Hualapai Mountains southeast of Kingman are taking full advantage of the cooler weather conditions, light rain, and snow at higher elevations in the fire area. Despite the increased humidity the fire remained active overnight and into the morning. Hotshot crews and engines worked through the night enhancing established fuel breaks adjacent to the homes, structures, and critical public safety communication towers. “Some of the most active areas are in mixed conifer which have a thick dead and down component that has not burned since the 1950s,” said BLM Fire Management Officer Wade Reaves.   

The moderated fire conditions, due to the increase in humidity, will benefit the overall strategy toward containment. However, warmer and dryer conditions predicted through the rest of the week will quickly reduce any benefits seen and fire activity will increase. 

A transition of incident command will take place at 6:00 a.m. on April 28, from the Arizona Central West Type 3 Incident Management Team to Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team 1.  

Evacuations:  

  • GO - Mohave County Sheriff’s Office has ordered evacuations of Hualapai Mountain Park, Lodge, and the Pine Lake Community. Please use Hualapai Mountain Road and be aware of public safety vehicles responding to the area. 
  • SET - Atherton Acres and Pinion Pine communities are currently on SET status for evacuations. Evacuation Orders are imminent for this area; please start preparing for evacuations. 

Mohave County residents are encouraged to learn more about Arizona's Ready-Set-Go program and sign up for Mohave County Emergency Notifications by visiting: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go 

Closures: Hualapai Mountain Road is currently CLOSED at milepost 10 to everyone except evacuees and first responders. 

Shelter: The American Red Cross is establishing a shelter for those affected by the evacuation orders at Palo Christi School (500 Maple Street in Kingman). 

No Drone Zone: Flying a hobbyist drone over a fire puts everyone at risk and hinders firefighting suppression efforts. If you fly, we must ground all aircraft, including the large air tankers due to the dangerous conditions drones pose in unauthorized airspace. Always follow FAA rules when flying your aircraft. If caught, your drone could be confiscated by law enforcement and you could face hefty fines.  

Can I donate? We have received numerous offers of donations of food, bottled water, cookies, and other items from the Kingman community. While we are deeply moved by the sentiment, we are unable to accept donations. This is partially due to our COVID-19 protocols and our firefighters have everything needed to support operations. We suggest donations be made to the Cornerstone Mission in Kingman, the local food bank, or cash donations to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.  

Fire Danger is high. Use caution when recreating or working outdoors. Check for fire restrictions or information on fire activity around Arizona at: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/ 

Flag Fire Information 

 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.