Flag Fire Update, April 26, 2021
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
Acres: 1,400 acres
Percent Containment: 0%
Start Date: Sunday, April 25, 2021
Cause: Under Investigation
Origin Location: Hualapai Mountains; S of Pine Lake, Arizona
Fuels: Ponderosa pine at higher elevations, brush, and grass
Personnel Assigned: 150
Flag Fire burning in the Hualapai Mountains south of Kingman, Arizona
High winds persisted overnight - Transition to Type 3 Incident Management Team
Kingman, Ariz. [April 26, 2021] – The Flag Fire was reported on Sunday, April 25, 2021, around 2:00 p.m. The fire originated between the Flag Mine and Wild Cow Campground in the Hualapai Mountains, approximately 11 miles southeast of Kingman. Firefighters worked through the night challenged by persistent strong and gusty winds, which created ember showers, causing spot fires close to structures. Firefighters were able to extinguish the spot fires promptly. Today firefighters will continue to work defensively around homes and structures utilizing helicopters and airtankers to support their efforts on the ground. Lower winds and higher humidity with a chance of rain are expected in the fire area.
The Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team will take command of the fire this evening. Many of their resources are local and able to respond quickly to assist the local area. A Type 1 Incident Management Team was ordered due to the overall complexity of the incident and is set to arrive and transition into command of the fire later into the day on Tuesday, April 27.
Evacuations:
- GO - Mohave County Sheriff’s office is conducting evacuations of Hualapai Mountain Park, Lodge, and the Pine Lake Community. Please use Hualapai Mountain Rd. and be aware of public safety vehicles responding to the area.
- SET - Atherton Acres and Pinion Pine communities are currently on SET status for evacuations. Evacuation Orders are Imminent for this area, please start preparing for evacuations.
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: Hualapai Mountain Road is currently CLOSED at milepost 10 to everyone except evacuees and first responders.
Shelter: The American Red Cross is establishing a shelter for those affected by the evacuation orders at Palo Christi School (500 Maple Street in Kingman).
Can I donate? We have received numerous offers of donations of food, bottled water, cookies, and other items from the Kingman community. While we are deeply moved by the sentiment, we are unable to accept donations. This is partially due to our COVID-19 protocols and our firefighters have everything needed to support operations. We suggest donations 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/
Flag Fire Information
• Phone: (602) 345-0246
• Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7438/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMAZFire #FlagFire #AZFire
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.