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Size: 3,079 acres
Containment: 1%
Cause:   Lightning 
Location: Hualapai Mountains, 5 miles south of Pine Lake
Total Personnel: Approximately 212
Incident Commander: Dave Gesser 

Southwest Incident Management Team #3 Assumes Command of the Ridge Fire 

Dave Gesser’s Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team #3 assumed command of the Ridge Fire this morning from Rob Roy Williams Central West Zone Type 3 Team. Incident Commander Gesser would like to express Team # 3’s sincere appreciation for the exceptional job IC RobRoy Williams and his team accomplished in slowing the growth of this fire. 

The fire was less active yesterday and crews were able to establish lines around the previous day fire line breaches. These actions resulted in little growth of the perimeter, although interior unburned fuels continued to be consumed. Dry conditions, low humidity, and an unstable atmosphere coupled with gusty winds, continued and are forecast for the next several days with increased chances of lightning and associated outflow winds. 

Firefighters are working to establish containment lines using all techniques available to remove fuels ahead of the fire to channelize its direction and stop its spread. It is likely, once defensible lines are in place, burn outs will be considered to remove vegetation between the line and the fire’s front. A structure protection division has begun work in the Pine Lake area for the defense of that community. 

Closures: A fire area closure is now in effect for the fire and adjacent area. The closure impacts a portion of the State’s game management unit 16A in the Hualapai Mountains and surrounding area. Area campgrounds, OHV trails, some roads, and access to the Wabayama Peak Wilderness Area are all affected by the closure order. Please consult the following web site for additional information and maps if you have plans to visit the area: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6990/ 

Evacuations: None however, Pine Lake residents currently are in READY status. There are no immediate threats to area ranches or communities from this fire but wildfires are unpredictable and conditions can change quickly. All Mojave County residents are encouraged to learn about Arizona’s Ready-Set-Go program and sign up for Mojave County emergency notifications by visiting: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go 

Smoke: Fires in California as well as the Ridge Fire are producing substantial smoke over the western United States. Those who are sensitive to smoke should remain indoors and avoid outdoor activities. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in effect around the entire fire area. Remember, that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (drones). If you fly, we can’t!   

For further information, please visit the following links:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6990/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMAZFire #RidgeFire #AZFire