Wildfires force evacuation in northwest Arizona
KINGMAN, Ariz. — An evacuation is under way in the Hualapai Mountains in northwest Arizona where wildfires have burned to within 1½ miles of homes in the tiny community of Pine Lake.
Mohave County Sheriff Tom Sheehan said deputies and search and rescue personnel were going door-to-door Monday to urge residents to leave their homes as a precaution.
Emergency Management Director Byron Steward said the Dean Peak fire grew from 200 to 1,000 acres overnight. The fire about 10 miles east of Kingman was sparked by lightning Saturday afternoon.
About 40 firefighters are working to contain the blaze, supported by one helicopter. More personnel and air support are on order but resources are stretched thin due to the number of wildfires burning in area states.
Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Trish Carter said a shelter is being established at Kingman High School North for anyone displaced by the fire. The county also is shutting down the popular Hualapai Mountain Park.
The Bureau of Land Managment said the flames are a greater danger at present to radio and cell service communication sites than they are to homes. Crews are putting a structure protection plan in place.
