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Ridge Fire Update, August 20, 2020

Organization

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Colorado River District Office

Media Contact:

Acres: 2,283 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. 140 personnel 

Wind from area storms pushes Ridge Fire to over 2,000 acres 

Kingman, Ariz. – Winds from area storms increased fire activity late yesterday afternoon pushing the Ridge Fire to over 2,000 acres. The fire remained active overnight with movement north, east, and west. Continued growth toward the north and east is expected through the day, as firefighters continue to remove vegetation adjacent to roads, trails and natural features identified as potential containment features. Firefighters are using various techniques to remove vegetation including cutting, mastication, and burnout operations to remove available fuel ahead of the main fire. Aviation resources including airtankers and helicopters continue to support the efforts of firefighters on the ground.  

Due to increased incident complexity, predicted hot and dry weather, and proximity of the fire to communities and critical communications infrastructure a Type 2 incident management team [Southwest Area Type 2 - Team 3 (Gesser)] has been ordered. That team is scheduled to transition with the Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team Friday with a full transfer of management Saturday morning.  

There are no immediate threats to area ranches or communities from the Ridge Fire. 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, Blake Ranch Road and the Ridge Road, among others. Details of the road closures and maps can be found on Inciweb. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6990/ 

Smoke: Smoke will continue to be visible through the day and into the evening as it settles into the surrounding low-lying areas. Smoke sensitive individuals are encouraged to stay indoors to reduce their exposure.   

Fire Danger is high. Fire Restrictions are in effect. The Bureau of Land Management, Arizona State Trust 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.