Unseasonably hot and dry conditions continue to keep Arizona firefighters busy
KINGMAN –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/6990/
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:
- Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6990/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMAZFire #RidgeFire #AZFire
Description of Road Closures Starting South of Fire and Working West to North to East and Back to South
Kiosk_Past_Cavalliere_Ranch_HQ: Located approx. 9 miles southwest of the fire at the Wooden BLM Kiosk approx. 2 miles past the Cavalliere Ranch Headquarters.
Walnut Creek 1: Located approx. 5 miles west of the fire in Walnut Creek at the northern edge of the Wabayuma Peak Wilderness Boundary and approx. 2 miles past the Walnut Creek Ranch Headquarters.
Walnut Creek 2: Located approx. 3 miles northwest of the fire just north of Horse Canyon and South of Yellow Flower Creek and Willow Creek.
Moss Basin Overlook: Located approx. 2.5 miles northwest of the fire along BLM Route 7101/Ridge Road approx. 2 miles past the turnoff to Antelope Wash Rd./Wild Cow Springs Campground.
Moss Wash OHV Upper TH: Located approx. 3 miles north of the fire at the upper (north end) of the Moss Wash Technical OHV Trail and approx. 1/10 of a mile east of the Wild Cow Springs Campground. This closure will block access to the Moss Wash Technical OHV Trail.
Moss Wash OHV Lower TH: Located approx. 3 miles northeast of the fire at the intersection of Blake Ranch Road and the Moss Wash Technical OHV trailhead approx. 3 ¼ miles south of the Antelope Wash Rd/Blake Ranch Rd. intersection. This closure will block access to the Moss Wash Technical OHV Trail and Gold King Mansion Historical Site.
Cedar Wash Road Entrance: Located approx. 3 miles east of the fire at the intersection of Blake Ranch Road and Cedar Wash Road approx. 3 ½ miles south of the Antelope Wash Rd/Blake Ranch Rd. intersection.