Morning Update on Flag Fire

Over 1,400 Acres Burned in Hualapais

Details Below

MOHAVE COUNTY, AZ (April 27, 2021) The Flag Fire in the Kingman area’s nearby Hualapai Mountains has now officially burned over 1,400 acres. That was the official count yesterday afternoon. The fire is burning, but, there has not been significant growth.  An air assessment will take place later today.

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.

Firefighters worked the fire area over night. The higher elevations of the fire area show a light dusting of snow. Conditions today, with the increased humidity, will allow firefighters to take a more direct attack on the fire – building containment lines ahead of warming and drying weather conditions predicted in the coming days.

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.

Better visibility yesterday afternoon today revealed that many trees are still standing, and that the fire burned primarily undergrowth and the pine needle beds in places, which is a positive.

The Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team has command of the fire. Many of their resources are local and able to respond quickly to assist the area. The Mohave County Sheriff’s office is conducting evacuations of Hualapai Mountain Park, the Lodge, and the Pine Lake Community.

Atherton Acres and Pinion Pine communities are currently on SET status for evacuations. Evacuation Orders are Imminent for this area, if you are in that area, start preparing for evacuations. The Red Cross has a shelter in place at Palo Christi Elementary, 500 Maple St. in Kingman.

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

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