KINGMAN, Ariz. — A wildfire that sparked up Thursday near Kingman is now 100 percent contained, officials said.
The fire burned about 800 acres north of Kingman, east of Stockton Hill Road, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: El Incendio Golden ha sido sofocado en su totalidad, informan autoridades
Resources are monitoring the area for any hotspots.
Details about the fire:
Evacuations ordered
- None
Road Closures
- None
Acres burned
- 831 acres
Arizona Wildfire Season
Get the latest information on how to stay safe and protect your home during wildfire season in Arizona on our 12News YouTube playlist here.
Home Fire Prevention:
The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority has released tips on how to prevent fires from starting in your home.
“More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 25,000 are injured,” the authority said on its website. “An overwhelming number of fires occur in the home.”
First off, the authority says that every house needs to have at least one working smoke alarm. Every level of the home and every sleeping area should have a working smoke alarm inside of it to offer the best protection.
Appliances should also be used in a way that manufacturers recommend, since overheating, shorts and sparks can all lead to a fire breaking out.
Lastly, families should have an escape plan from every room of the house.
“Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot,” the authority said. “Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.”
The authority offers free home safety inspections. Schedule one with them by calling 623-544-5400.
How to prevent wildfires
With temperatures beginning to heat up, fires are likely to continue, but there are some ways that you can prevent them from starting.
According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, some ways to prevent a wildfire from sparking include:
- Make sure a campfire is out by dousing it with water, stirring it and repeating until it is cool to the touch when you touch it with the back of your hand
- Refrain from using a chainsaw or welding equipment during windy or high fire danger days
- Use proper burn barrels when burning debris, never leave the fire unattended and make sure it is completely out before walking away. Also never burn on windy days.
- Don't target shoot or use fireworks on state lands, as that is not allowed.
- Drivers can also help prevent wildfires with these tips:
- Do not throw cigarette butts out of a car window
- Check your tire pressure, as under-inflated tires can cause your wheel to touch a road or trail and cause sparks
- Never park or drive on dry grass or brush, as a hot engine can spark a fire
- Tighten trailer chains and other equipment so they don't drag on the ground and cause sparks
- Check your brake pads because worn pads can also throw sparks due to metal-on-metal contact
The ADFFM also has a mobile app that will alert users when a wildfire is in their area. The app can be downloaded in the Apple App Store or in the Google Play Store.
And there are some ways to keep your home safe in case of wildfires, according to The National Fire Protection Agency. Those include:
- Make sure your roof and gutters are clear of dead leaves and debris that could catch fire
- Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles to prevent embers from getting inside your home
- Install 1/8 inch metal mesh screening to reduce embers that could pass through vents into eaves
- Clean debris from attic vents and install the 1/8 inch metal mesh on those vents as well
- Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows
- Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and other flammable materials from getting in
- Move any flammable materials away from exterior walls, including mulch, plants, leaves and firewood piles
- Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches
The NFPA also advises keeping lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches or less, keeping at least eight feet of space between trees, along with having fire-resistant construction on your home, including fire-resistant roofing and siding.
The NFPA also says to know and practice an emergency action plan with all of the occupants of your home in case of a wildfire, as that can save lives.
