Late Afternoon Update

Flag Fire

Still Officially 1,400 Acres Burned

Details Below

MOHAVE COUNTY, AZ (April 27, 2021) The Flag Fire in the Kingman area’s nearby Hualapai Mountains officially burned over 1,400 acres. That was the official count yesterday afternoon as well. An air team was unable to get a new assessment today due to limited visibility. The fire is burning, but, there has not been significant growth reported.

The Flag Fire in the Hualapai Mountains near Kingman has consumed Ponderosa Pine at higher elevations, brush and grass.  There are 275 personnel assigned to the blaze.  At this time, zero containment is reported.   Firefighters on the Flag Fire are utilizing recent moisture to their advantage with 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 today. Hotshot crews and engines worked through the night enhancing established fuel breaks adjacent to the homes, structures, and critical public safety communication towers. BLM Fire Management Officer Wade Reaves said, “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.”

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. from from the Arizona Central West Type 3 Incident Management Team to Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team 1.

The Flag Fire has resulted in the evacuation of the residents of approximately 200 homes in Pine Lake, as well as the closure of the Hualapai Mountain Resort and the Park.  The Flag Fire was first reported Sunday around 2pm. The fire originated between the Flag Mine and Wild Cow Campground in the Hualapai Mountains, approximately 11 miles south/southeast of Kingman. The fire originated between the Flag Mine and Wild Cow Campground in the Hualapai Mountains, approximately 11 miles south/southeast of Kingman, Arizona.

One out building/shed has been reported as burned. Fire remains active on the west side as it nears communication sites in the Hayden Peak and Potato Patch areas. Firefighters continue to work defensively in the area of Pine Lake, while aviation resources worked the wester flank hampered slightly by strong gusty winds.

Mohave County Supervisor Buster Johnson has declared a County Emergency as a result of the Flag Fire. He also signed the Joint Delegation of Authority Flag Incident document, which will also be signed by leaders of BLM, the AZ Dept of Forestry and Fire Management, and by the Incident Commander, Central West Zone Incident Management Team. The Joint Declaration of Authority basically delineates the authority and responsibility of the financial costs regarding the Flag Fire. Authority and responsibility primarily weighs on the BLM.

Mohave County Sheriff conducted the evacuations of Hualapai Mountain Park, Lodge, and the Pine Lake Community. Atherton Acres and Pinion Pine communities remain on SET status for evacuations. Evacuation Orders are Imminent for this area, please start preparing for evacuations. Hualapai Mountain Rd. is currently CLOSED at MP 10 to everyone except evacuees and first responders.

The Red Cross Shelter has been asset up at Palo Christi School (500 Maple St. in Kingman. However, few have taken advantage of the facility.  Although it’s deeply appreciated, donations of any kind are not being accepted at this time. This is partially due to the COVID-19 protocols and also because the firefighters have everything needed to support operations. Donations can 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/

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

ROGER GALLOWAY 928-486-7447 (Call or Text)

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