MOHAVE VALLEY, Ariz. — A wildfire, called the Needles Fire, burning on both sides of the Colorado River near Needles, California, and Mohave Valley, Arizona, has neighborhoods under "SET" orders on Saturday night, according to the Mohave County Sheriff's Office.
The fire ignited on Saturday as temperatures in the area reached as high as 110 degrees and was originally mapped at 40-50 acres before expanding to more than 200 acres.
The San Bernardino County Fire Department in California said the fire has burned 70 acres in California and is 75% contained.
In a press release Sunday morning, the Mohave Valley Fire District said the fire had burned just under 200 total acres, but not say exactly how many acres had been burned in Arizona.
MVFD says they were called at about 1:30 p.m. on Saturday to assist with a fire that had started in Needles at the Interstate 40 westbound ramp at exit 144. The department was soon joined by fire engines and firefighters from Fort Mojave Mesa, Bullhead City, Desert hills and Lake Havasu.
Wind continued to help the fire grow, and at about 2:40 p.m., the fire jumped over the Colorado River and began burning in Arizona.
MVFD said their priority soon became protecting homes in area as the fire spread. A back burn operation performed by crews from the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Indian Affairs allowed crews to establish their first line of containment on Saturday night.
MVFD said only one structure, an abandoned house, was destroyed. No livestock were injured and no one was hurt.
The department says crews will be in the area for the next several days working to fully extinguish the fire and everyone should avoid the area.
In total, MVFD was assisted by MCSO deputies, Fort Mojave Tribal police officers, the Mohave County EMA, Mohave Electric Cooperative, Fort Mojave Mesa Fire District, Desert Hills Fire District, Bullhead City Fire District, Golden Valley Fire District, Buckskin Fire District, Northern Arizona Fire District, Lake Havasu Fire Department, San Bernardino Fire Department, Arizona State Fire, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs and numerous property owners.
Also, all evacuation orders have been lifted and all roads have been opened, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
The full evacuation list, evacuation center information and up-to-date road closures can be found below:
Latest Needles Fire updates:
- Needles Fire started Saturday
- Burning on both sides of the Colorado River
- All evacuations lifted
- All roads open
- The fire on the California side was stopped after burning 70 acres and is 75% contained
- One structure in California was destroyed
How many acres has the Needles Fire burned?
- 213 total acres, according to San Bernardino County Fire
- 70 acres in California, 75% contained
- 143 acres in Arizona
Are there any evacuations due to the Needles Fire?
The following communities are under the "GO" order and have been asked to evacuate:
- No communities are under the "GO" order
The following communities are under the "SET" order and have been asked to prepare for possible evacuation:
No communities are under the "SET" order
The following communities are under the "READY" order and have been asked to be aware of nearby fire danger:
No communities are under "READY" order
What roads or highways have been closed by the Needles Fire?
- All roads have reopened
Are there any shelters available for residents who may be evacuated due to the Needles Fire?
- No shelters are currently open
Wildfire Go-Kit:
Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them of they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see early widespread fire activity throughout the state.
An emergency supply kit should be put together long before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Make sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers.
Residents should make sure they have the necessities, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first-aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and non-prescription drugs should also be taken into account.
Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and put into a waterproof, portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.
The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including:
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA weather radio to receive up-to-date information
- Dust mask or cotton T-shirt to filter the air
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Complete change of clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, and sturdy shoes stored in a waterproof container
- Signal flare
The entire NFPA checklist of supplies can be found here.
Those in Arizona who have been affected by a wildfire or other natural disasters can seek assistance from the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-842-7349.
Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Evacuation
If evacuations are required due to a wildfire, they will be issued using the 'Ready, Set, Go' method, according to the Arizona Emergency Information Network.
If a 'Ready' alert is issued, that means you need to be aware of hazards that can threaten your community and make sure you have an emergency kit ready to go with enough supplies to last 72 hours.
If a 'Set' alert is issued, that means that you should consider voluntarily evacuating to a shelter or go to family or friends who are outside of the evacuation zone.
If a 'Go' alert is issued that means you need to evacuate immediately.
You can learn more about the 'Ready, Set, Go' system by clicking 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.
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.
