Emergency declaration issued as Flag Fire near Kingman burns 1,400 acres
Apr 26, 2021, 9:27 AM | Updated: 1:47 pm
Flag Fire (Twitter Photo/@azstateforestry)
(Twitter Photo/@azstateforestry)
PHOENIX — Mohave County authorities issued an emergency declaration Monday afternoon as a wildfire in the Hualapai Mountains near Kingman continues to burn.
The declaration, issued by Mohave County Supervisor Buster Johnson, states that “the Mohave County Emergency Response and Recovery plan is hereby activated and in effect until further notice.”
As of 1:30 p.m. Monday, the Flag Fire has burned 1,400 acres. Authorities said no structures have been lost and no injuries have occurred.
The blaze prompted an immediate evacuation Sunday of the Hualapai Mountain Park, Lodge and the Pine Lake Community, the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office said.
Mohave County officials say there are approximately 200 homes in the area of the evacuation.
Pre-evacuation orders have also been issued for Atherton Acres and Pinion Pine.
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A shelter set up by the Red Cross for evacuees is located at Palo Christi Elementary School (500 Maple Street). Officials said no donations or volunteers are needed at this time.
The blaze was first reported around 2 p.m. Sunday and originated between the Flag Mine and Wild Cow Campground south of Kingman, according to InciWeb. It is unclear how the fire began.
Three large air tankers, multiple fire units and several helicopters were battling the blaze. Firefighters worked overnight to extinguish spot fires around homes.
CRD – #FlagFire Update: Mapped at 1,400 ac. No structures lost, no injuries. There were some spot fires around structures last night but firefighters worked to extinguish and continue to work around homes today. AZ Central West Zone Type 3 IMT has command. https://t.co/bKm59E8I7I
— BLM Arizona Fire (@BLMAZFire) April 26, 2021
Hualapai Mountain Road is currently closed at milepost 10 to everyone except evacuees and first responders.
The wildfire was also sending smoke over Interstate 40, according to ADOT, but was not appearing to affect the freeway.
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jim Cross contributed to this report.
