KINGMAN – Humidity and rainfall helped slow down the wildfire burning in the Hualapai Mountains southeast of Kingman since Sunday afternoon. Authorities reported that the Flag Fire held at 1,400 acres Tuesday morning.
Pine Lake Fire Chief Chris Shaffer said the precipitation does not have as much of an impact as many believe.
“The rain does help. It softens the fire rate but the amount of rain we’ve received is not going to be a determining factor,” Shaffer said. He said the fuels are so dry that it would take much more rain to be more helpful.
Shaffer expressed pleasure that only one outbuilding has been lost while crews have successfully protected structures and communications equipment on the mountain. He praised local, state and federal agencies for rapid response in assisting with fighting the fire and evacuating 200 homes in the Pine Lake area.
“I had units showing up within about 30 minutes of the incident and continuing for about 4 straight hours. We had multiple resources rolling into the community,”
Shaffer said.
The Bureau of Land Management said crews were working to build containment lines ahead of the fire.
“Fire remains active on the west side as it nears communication sites in the Hayden Peak and Potato Patch areas,” a BLM fire post said. “Firefighters continue to work defensively in the area of Pine Lake, while aviation resources worked the western flank hampered slightly by strong gusty winds.”
Dave Hawkins