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Ridge Fire Update, August 18, 2020

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Colorado River District Office

Media Contact:

Acres: approx. 85 acres
Percent Containment: 0% 
Start Date: Sunday, August 16, 2020
Cause: Lightning 
Origin Location: 5 miles S of Pine Lake, AZ
Fuels: Grass, Chapparal, Pinyon-Juniper, and Ponderosa Pine
Personnel Assigned: approx. 100 personnel

Ridge Fire burns in the Hualapai Mountains south of Kingman

Unseasonably hot and dry conditions continue to keep Arizona firefighters busy

Kingman, Ariz. –The Ridge Fire started Sunday August 16 in the Hualapai Mountains south of Kingman, approximately 5 miles south of the community of Pine Lake, as the result of passing thunderstorms. Rain from those storms was not widespread with many areas not receiving moisture. Dry and plentiful chapparal and grass is fueling the Ridge Fire which has been observed making short uphill runs and occasional single tree torching during the heat of the day. Firefighters are also experiencing strong and gusty outflow winds from surrounding thunderstorms which increases the fire behavior, in addition to working during excessive heat warnings.

The Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team was called in to assist with the management of the fire and was transitioned to the team early this morning. Firefighters will continue to work supported by aircraft as needed to attain containment. They will be using roads, trails, and natural features such as rock outcroppings and other areas with light vegetation as containment features in this steep, rough, and rugged terrain.

While there are no anticipated direct impacts to area ranches or communities from the Ridge Fire, Arizona does experience wildfires year-round. Learn more about Arizona's Ready-Set-Go program and sign up for Mohave County Emergency Notifications: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Closures: There are several road and trail closures in the fire area, affecting the Moss Wash OHV Trail and the Ridge Road, among others.  The details of the road closures and a map can be found on Inciweb. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6990/53369/

Smoke: Smoke will be visible from Hualapai mountain communities especially during the heat of the day.

Fire Danger is high. Fire Restrictions in effect. The Bureau of Land Management, State Lands and unincorporated Mohave County lands in this area are under Fire Restrictions. Use caution when recreating or working outdoors. Check for fire restrictions or information on fire activity around Arizona at: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/

Ridge Fire Information can be found on:

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.