Mohave County

Yesterday crews continued to mop up along the fire’s perimeter, extinguishing sources of heat and repairing suppression actions that could aggravate erosion from future rains. No smoke was observed from the fire. Meanwhile, other resources continued to prepare a structure protection plan for Pine Lake and improve contingency lines in that area. Local resources focused on potential initial attack response for fires generated by new lightning strikes. 
 

Assigned crews working the Ridge Fire Sunday continued to suppress hot spots around the fire perimeter until a thunderstorm appeared about 4 p.m. With area lightning, hail, and strong winds, crews were pulled off the fire for safety. Although moisture remained north of the fire perimeter, lines were tested by outflow winds from the passing thunderstorm, but containment lines held.

The Ridge Fire perimeter has not increased for the last two work periods.  Hot spots remain but little smoke was observed yesterday. Firefighters were able to directly attack the fire’s edge, securing sections of the perimeter. Containment has increased to 16% as a result. 

Due to increased concern for public safety the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Kingman Field Office has implemented a Fire Area Closure Order that went into effect at 7 a.m. today and will remain in effect until the fire area is deemed safe to lift the order. The closure will impact a portion of hunting unit 16A as well as Wild Cow Springs Campground, Blake Ranch Road, Moss Wash Technical Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trail, and access to the Wabayuma Wilderness.  

The Ridge Fire started Sunday August 16 in the Hualapai Mountains south of Kingman, approximately 5 miles south of the community of Pine Lake, as the result of passing thunderstorms. Rain from those storms was not widespread with many areas not receiving moisture. Dry and plentiful chapparal and grass is fueling the Ridge Fire which has been observed making short uphill runs and occasional single tree torching during the heat of the day.