MOHAVE COUNTY, AZ — Mohave County officials say the "Flag Fire" near Kingman remains zero percent contained after prompting the evacuation of over 200 homes in Pine Lake area.
The fire was reported Sunday around 2 p.m. Crews say it originated between the Flag Mine and Wild Cow Campground in the Hualapai Mountains, south of Kingman.
Mohave County Supervisor Buster Johnson issued the emergency declaration that activated the county's emergency response and recovery plan until further notice.
“Hualapai Mountain Park will be closed to new visitors…during the existence of said emergency or until the threat in the park is declared over," Johnson said in the declaration.
Officials added the Atherton Acres and Pinion Pine communities are currently on set status for evacuations.
Authorities added that no donations or volunteers are currently needed due to the fire.
Mohave County officials said the fire has burned approximately 1,400 acres as of Wednesday. Officials say it is zero percent contained but there has not been significant growth and only one shed/outbuilding has burned.
Light rain in the area has lessened conditions in the area, according to the Bureau of Land Management.
CRD - #FlagFire Update: Fire area received light rain. One shed/outbuilding burned. Fire activity has moderated/lessened relative to conditions in the fire area yesterday. #AZFire pic.twitter.com/8eLkaboQHt
— BLM Arizona Fire (@BLMAZFire) April 26, 2021
Fire officials say that although rain and snow fell over the entire fire area, dry and hot conditions are expected to return.
PHOTOS: Flag Fire burning near Kingman
The fire also caused the closure of the Hualapai Mountain Resort and the Park.
The Mohave County Sheriff's office says several air attack drops have taken place so far despite the heavy smoke in the area.
ADOT video shows billowing smoke near Interstate 40. Officials say the smoke does not appear to be affecting the freeway at this time.
A #wildfire in #KingmanAz is sending smoke over I-40. Please use caution in the area. (The fire does NOT appear to be affecting the freeway.) #I40 #Aztraffic #wildfire
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) April 25, 2021
Don't be surprised by unplanned incidents; get the ADOT Alerts app: https://t.co/DtzUVKzi0C pic.twitter.com/QXFztl3jhe
Mohave County Sheriff's Office officials say Hualapai Mountain Road is currently closed at MP 10 to everyone except evacuees and first responders.
The Red Cross has set up an evacuation center for evacuees at Palo Christi Elementary School at 500 Maple Street.
American Red Cross evacuation center located at the Palo Christi Elementary at 500 Maple St. is now open for evacuees of the #Flagfire Evacuees may go to the evacuation center to receive assistance, cool off, and get information. pic.twitter.com/4x98MZZj8e
— Red Cross AZ (@RedCrossAZ) April 26, 2021
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
CRD - #FlagFire Resources -
— BLM Arizona Fire (@BLMAZFire) April 26, 2021
- Fire Info: https://t.co/bKm59Eqjwi
- Mohave County Emergency Notifications: https://t.co/hJHnnIZh3A
- Evacuation Information via Mohave County Sheriff FB: https://t.co/SLaKU0AerX
- Arizona's Ready-Set-Go program: https://t.co/kGt1VUULLw #AZFire pic.twitter.com/1S4lpc7QiQ