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Firefighters Facing Challenges with Vegetation Extinguishment

Update:  Fire crews made significant progress on the Refuge Fire along the exterior of the perimeter.  The fire is burning in salt cedar which holds heat. This means the fire will continue to smolder for many weeks to come.  There are many hazards in the interior areas of the fire related to smoldering fuels and holes where the fire has burned into the layers of combustible materials that have built up over many years.  The weather is another factor, increasing temperatures, lower relative humidity of 5 to 10 percent and gusting winds will keep the already burned fuels smoldering. Fire suppression repair of the endangered species areas needs to be completed by fire personnel to allow the ongoing protection of fish and wildlife. Over 100 fire personnel are working to fully contain the fire so that a date can be set to reopen the refuge. 

Community Response:  Firefighters are continuing to work on the roads around the fire. We are requesting that the public continue to exercise patience during the closure for the safety of themselves and fire crews. There are currently no threats to surrounding communities, infrastructure, or natural resources. 

Smoke: Smoke production is very limited, but some smoldering of fuels will continue into the near future. 

Closures:  Red Cloud Mine Road and Meers Point Recreation Area. 

Fire Restrictions:  No fires are allowed in Fish and Wildlife Service areas.  More information about fire management can be found at:  www.fws.gov/program/fire-management. 

Location: Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, north of Martinez Lake, Yuma AZ

Start Date: May 25, 2024

Size: Approximately 1037 Acres 

Percent Contained:   20%

Cause: Human Caused, Under Investigation

Vegetation:  Salt Cedar and Riparian vegetation

Resources:  2 Crews, 10 Engines, 2 Helicopters, 2 Dozers, 1 Water Tender and Additional Support Personnel

Number of Personnel Assigned:  121

For fire information please call (480) 608-2181

InciWeb: InciWeb.gov Refuge Fire

Facebook:  Imperial National Wildlife Refuge 

Email Address: 2024.refuge@firenet.gov