Ridge Fire Update, August 19, 2020
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
Acres: approx. 986 acres
Percent Containment: 0%
Start Date: Sunday, August 16, 2020
Cause: Lightning
Origin Location: Hualapai Mountains; 5 miles S of Pine Lake, AZ
Fuels: Grass, Chapparal, Pinyon-Juniper, and Ponderosa Pine
Personnel Assigned: approx. 110 personnel
Ridge Fire pushed by winds from thunderstorms - Minimal rain over fire area
Kingman, Ariz. – Firefighters on the Ridge Fire experienced strong outflow winds from passing thunderstorms late Tuesday afternoon. Winds pushed the fire in all directions with sustained high winds and gusts upward of 50 miles per hour. Most of the fire’s movement from the passage of the storm front was to the north and west. The fire area received little to no rain and fire activity increased into the evening producing smoke that settled into area communities and as far north as Kingman overnight.
Firefighters will continue work today to improve roads, trails, and natural features like rock outcropping by cutting or burning out vegetation adjacent to those features to slow or contain the fire. They will utilize helicopter water drops and airtankers as needed to support their efforts on the ground.
There are no anticipated direct impacts to area ranches or communities from the Ridge Fire, but Arizona does experience wildfires year-round. 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: 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 continue to be visible through the day and into the evening as it settles into the surrounding low laying areas. Smoke sensitive individuals are encouraged to stay indoors to reduce their exposure.
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:
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.