SOUTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM #3 

Ridge Fire                                                   
Monday, August 24, 2020          

Public Information: (951) 708 6177  
Media Information: (951) 708 1665  
Email: 2020.Ridgefire@firenet.gov

Size: 3,079 acres                      
Containment:  52%                  
Cause: Lightning   
Location: Hualapai Mountains, 5 miles south of Pine Lake            
Total Personnel: Approximately 288 
Incident Commander: Dave Gesser                                  

Outflow Winds Makes Afternoon Appearance Over the Ridge Fire
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.

Today crews will resume patrolling for hotspots and mopping up the perimeter of the fire. Structure protection operations and planning will also continue in the Pine Lake community and adjacent areas. A road grader has been ordered and will begin work to improve area roads impacted by recent fire traffic.

While we are deeply moved by local offers of supplies, we are unable to accept donations. This is partially due to our COVID-19 protocols and our firefighters have everything needed to support operations.

Closures: A fire area closure remains in effect for the fire and adjacent area. Area campgrounds, OHV trails, some roads, and access to the Wabayama Peak Wilderness Area are all affected by the closure order. Please consult the following website for additional information and maps if you have plans to visit. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6990/

Evacuations: Pine Lake residents remain in READY status. There are no immediate threats to area ranches or communities from this fire, but wildfires are unpredictable, and conditions can change quickly. All Mohave County residents are encouraged to learn about Arizona’s Ready-Set-Go program and sign up for Mohave County emergency notifications by visiting: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Smoke: Fires in California are producing substantial smoke over the western United States. Those who are sensitive to smoke should avoid outdoor activities.    Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in effect around the entire fire area. Remember, temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (drones). If you fly, we can’t!   

For further information, please visit the following links:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6990/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMAZFire #RidgeFire #AZFire

A live virtual meeting for the Ridge Fire will take place on this Facebook page tonight, Sunday, August 23 at 5 pm. We will hear from the Incident Commander and Operations. ASL Interpretation and CART Captions will be available. During the live update, we will not be answering questions live. However, please post questions in the comments and we will answer what we can. If you are not able to join us at 5 pm, a recording will be available to view afterwards.

You do not need a Facebook account to watch the video. If a window pops up asking you to sign in or join, simply dismiss the message and join in.

www.facebook.com/BLMArizona  
 
 

 The Ridge Fire Operations Video Update for August 23, 2020 is available at http://bit.ly/RidgeFireOpsUpdate                                                                                     
 

SOUTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM #3

Ridge Fire
August 23, 2020 

Public Information: (951) 708 6177
Media Information: (951) 708 1665
Email: 2020.Ridgefire@firenet.gov   

 A live virtual meeting for the Ridge Fire will take place on this Facebook page tonight, Saturday, August 22 at 5 pm. We will hear from the Incident Commander and Operations. During the live meeting, you can post questions in the comments and we will answer what we can live. If you are not able to join us at 5pm, a recording will be available to view afterwards.  

You do not need a Facebook account to watch the video. If a window pops up asking you to sign in or join, simply dismiss the message and join in.

www.facebook.com/BLMArizona
 
 

 Ridge Fire Operations Video Update for August 22, 2020 is available at http://bit.ly/RidgeFireOpsUpdate

DONATION INFORMATION 

We appreciate the generosity of the community and understand that people want to help with the Ridge Fire. Please know that our emergency responders and evacuees are taken care of through organizations such as the Red Cross and others. Therefore, please understand: 

-   We are unable to accept physical donations right now 

-   We don't have the capacity to handle, store, and manage goods or volunteers 

-   We are still trying to limit interactions and surface touches due to COVID-19 

SOUTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM #3

Ridge Fire Saturday, August 22, 2020

Public Information: (951) 708 6177
Media Information: (951) 708 1665
Email: 2020.Ridgefire@firenet.gov

Size: 3,079 acres
Containment:  1%
Cause: Lightning Location: Hualapai Mountains, 5 miles south of Pine Lake
Total Personnel:  Approximately 212
Incident Commander: Dave Gesser

Southwest Incident Management Team #3 Assumes Command of the Ridge Fire

Dave Gesser’s Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team #3 assumed command of the Ridge Fire this morning from Rob Roy Williams Central West Zone Type 3 Team. Incident Commander Gesser would like to express Team #3’s sincere appreciation for the exceptional job IC RobRoy Williams and his team accomplished in slowing the growth of this fire.

The fire was less active yesterday and crews were able to establish lines around the previous day fire line breaches. These actions resulted in little growth of the perimeter, although interior unburned fuels continued to be consumed. Dry conditions, low humidity, and an unstable atmosphere coupled with gusty winds, continued and are forecast for the next several days with increased chances of lightning and associated outflow winds. Firefighters are working to establish containment lines using all techniques available to remove fuels ahead of the fire to channelize its direction and stop its spread. It is likely, once defensible lines are in place, burn outs will be considered to remove vegetation between the line and the fire’s front. A structure protection division has begun work in the Pine Lake area for the defense of that community.

Closures: A fire area closure is now in effect for the fire and adjacent area. The closure impacts a portion of the State’s game management unit 16A in the Hualapai Mountains and surrounding area. Area campgrounds, OHV trails, some roads, and access to the Wabayama Peak Wilderness Area are all affected by the closure order. Please consult the following web site for additional information and maps if you have plans to visit the area: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6990/

Evacuations: None however, Pine Lake residents currently are in READY status. There are no immediate threats to area ranches or communities from this fire but wildfires are unpredictable and conditions can change quickly. All Mojave County residents are encouraged to learn about Arizona’s Ready-Set-Go program and sign up for Mojave County emergency notifications by visiting: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Smoke: Fires in California as well as the Ridge Fire are producing substantial smoke over the western United States. Those who are sensitive to smoke should remain indoors and avoid outdoor activities.

Temporary Flight Restrictions:  Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in effect around the entire fire area. Remember, that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (drones). If you fly, we can’t!

For further information, please visit the following links:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6990/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMAZFire #RidgeFire #AZFire

SOUTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM #3

Ridge Fire Update
August 21, 2020

Public Information: (951) 708 6177
Media Information: (951) 708 1665
Email: 2020.Ridgefire@firenet.gov 

Acres: 3,079 acres Percent Containment: 0%
Start Date: Sunday, August 16, 2020 Cause: Lightning
Origin Location: Hualapai Mountains; 5 miles S of Pine Lake, AZ
Fuels: Grass, Chapparal, Pinyon-Juniper, and Ponderosa Pine
Personnel Assigned: approx. 140 personnel

Ridge Fire Area Closure: Implemented Portions of hunting Unit 16A and some local recreation areas affected in Kingman, Ariz. [August 21, 2020] – 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. 

Summary: Winds from area storms continued to fuel the fire activity through the day yesterday pushing the fire north and northeast across BLM Road 7200 on the north and east toward BLM Road 7207. The southern and western flanks of the fire have been relatively stable with low to moderate fire activity and dispersed pockets of heat. Dry vegetation conditions and minimal humidity recovery at night allowed the fire to continue to burn late into the night. Firefighters continue to remove vegetation adjacent to roads, trails and natural features identified as areas of potential containment. Firefighters are using various techniques to remove vegetation including cutting, mastication, and burnout operations to remove available fuel ahead of the main fire. Aviation resources including airtankers and helicopters continue to support the efforts of firefighters on the ground. 

Evacuations: Area residents should be READY. There are no immediate threats to area ranches or communities from the Ridge Fire. Mohave County residents are encouraged to learn more about Arizona's Ready-Set-Go program and sign up for Mohave County Emergency Notifications by visiting: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Closures: A Fire Area Closure is in effect to protect the public starting at 0700 on August 21, 2020 and will remain in effect until it is determined safe to rescind. Details of the closure and maps can be found on Inciweb. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6990/53539/

Smoke: Smoke will continue to be visible through the day and into the evening as it settles into the surrounding low-lying areas. Smoke sensitive individuals are encouraged to stay indoors to reduce their exposure.  
Fire Danger is high. Fire Restrictions are in effect. The Bureau of Land Management, Arizona State Trust Lands and unincorporated Mohave County lands in this area are under Fire Restrictions. Use caution when recreating or working outdoors. Check for fire restrictions or information on fire activity around Arizona at: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/

Information can be found on:
•Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6990/
•Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona/
•Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMAZFire #RidgeFire #AZFire                                                                                              -end-

Fire Closure Order Number AZ-CRD-2020-01
 PUBLIC LAND CLOSURE 
 BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT 
 COLORADO RIVER DISTRICT  
 KINGMAN FIELD OFFICE 
 

(1) BLM Road 7101 (Ridge Rd) from the community of Pine Lake, AZ to Boriana Mine Road.

(2) Blake Ranch Road from the intersection of BLM Road 7163C south to U.S. Highway 93.

(3) Public lands south of the Lazy-Y-U community to the west and BLM Road 7302 to the east at the intersection of Blake Ranch Road.

(4) Public lands east of BLM Road 7145 (El Paso Natural Gas Pipeline) south to T. 18 N.,R. 17 W., section 20.

(5) Unnumbered BLM Road 1/10 of a mile south of the entrance to BLM Road 7682 (Lower Trout Creek Road) to the west of U.S. Highway 93.

(6) Wild Cow Springs Campground

(7) Antelope Wash Road

(8) Moss Wash Technical Off-Highway Vehicle Trail

(9) Cedar Wash Road

(10) Wabayuma Peak Wilderness and Trailhead

(1) This closure will be in effect on August 21st, 2020, at 0700, for the purpose of protecting the public and shall stay in effect until rescinded. The Colorado River District Fire Management Officer and Kingman Field Manager will make the determination as to when the closure will be rescinded based on public safety. The map of the closure area may be obtained from InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6990/ 

Persons exempt from the closure and that are allowed in the closed area without written permission include the following:(a) Emergency vehicles, equipment, and personnel.(b) Government employees acting in the performance of their duties.(c) Grazing permittees in the performance of permitted acts.(d)Utility companies and other right of way holder employees acting in the performance of their duties.

(4) This closure follows provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701) and 43 CFR 9212.0-6 and 43 CFR 9212.1-4. The penalties of this Fire Prevention Order are provided in 43 CFR 9212.4. Any person who knowingly and willfully violates the regulations at 9212.1 of this title shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment of not more than 12 months or both.

Due to the extreme danger of the Ridge Fire and in the interest of public safety this closure shall be implemented immediately to protect human life. 

/s/ Amanda M. Dodson
Field Manager
Kingman Field Office