Overnight precipitation helps crews battling Flag Fire near Kingman

PHOENIX — Overnight rain and snow helped crews working to contain the Flag Fire burning in the Hualapai Mountains near Kingman.

The fire forced the evacuation of over 200 homes and the closure of a county park while also burning 1,400 acres of timber, brush and grass.

A shed was also burned but no injuries were reported.

The Red Cross set up a shelter for evacuees at Palo Christi Elementary School (500 Maple Street). Officials said no donations or volunteers are needed at this time.

Increased humidity in the area on Tuesday is allowing firefighters to take a more direct attack on the fire by building containment lines ahead of rising temperatures and dryer weather over the next couple of days, according to InciWeb.

Air tankers, ground crews, fire engines and helicopters are assigned to the fire.

Mohave County authorities issued an emergency declaration due to the fire Monday afternoon, with Supervisor Buster Johnson saying that “the Mohave County Emergency Response and Recovery plan is hereby activated and in effect until further notice.”

The blaze was first reported around 2 p.m. Sunday and originated between the Flag Mine and Wild Cow Campground south of Kingman.

While the fire is believed to be human-caused, officials said a specific cause has yet to be determined.

Hualapai Mountain Road is currently closed at milepost 10 to everyone except evacuees and first responders.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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