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Ridge Fire Update, August 21, 2020

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Colorado River District Office

Media Contact:

Acres: 3,079 acres                                                                                    
Percent Containment: 0%
Start Date: Sunday, August 16, 2020
Cause: Lightning
Origin Location: Hualapai Mountains; 5 miles S of Pine Lake, AZ
Fuels: Grass, Chapparal, Pinyon-Juniper, and Ponderosa Pine 
Personnel Assigned: approx. 140 personnel 

Ridge Fire Area Closure Implemented  

Portions of hunting Unit 16A and some local recreation areas affected 

Kingman, Ariz. [August 21, 2020] – Due to increased concern for public safety the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Kingman Field Office has implemented a Fire Area Closure Order that went into effect at 7 a.m. today and will remain in effect until the fire area is deemed safe to lift the order. The closure will impact a portion of hunting unit 16A as well as Wild Cow Springs Campground, Blake Ranch Road, Moss Wash Technical Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trail, and access to the Wabayuma Wilderness.  

Summary: Winds from area storms continued to fuel the fire activity through the day yesterday pushing the fire north and northeast across BLM Road 7200 on the north and east toward BLM Road 7207. The southern and western flanks of the fire have been relatively stable with low to moderate fire activity and dispersed pockets of heat. Dry vegetation conditions and minimal humidity recovery at night allowed the fire to continue to burn late into the night. Firefighters continue to remove vegetation adjacent to roads, trails and natural features identified as areas of potential containment. Firefighters are using various techniques to remove vegetation including cutting, mastication, and burnout operations to remove available fuel ahead of the main fire. Aviation resources including airtankers and helicopters continue to support the efforts of firefighters on the ground.  

Area residents should be READY. There are no immediate threats to area ranches or communities from the Ridge Fire. 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: A Fire Area Closure is in effect to protect the public starting at 0700 on August 21, 2020 and will remain in effect until it is determined safe to rescind. Details of the closure and maps can be found on Inciweb. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6990/53539/ 

Smoke: Smoke will continue to be visible through the day and into the evening as it settles into the surrounding low-lying areas. Smoke sensitive individuals are encouraged to stay indoors to reduce their exposure.   

Fire Danger is high. Fire Restrictions are in effect. The Bureau of Land Management, Arizona State Trust 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.

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