Fire near Mittry Lake burns more than 100 acres
UPDATE (6:45 PM) - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona said 400 acres have been burned by the fire and the fire is zero percent contained.
The fire began around 10:45 a.m. on Thursday and the cause is under investigation.
According to BLM, the fire is very active within river area vegetation and has pushed west into California along the Colorado River and north past Laguna Dam.
There are no current evacuations, infrastructure around Laguna and Imperial Dams are at risk or threatened as is the Betty’s Kitchen Recreation and Wildlife Area, said BLM.
Firefighters are working to contain the fire.
BLM mentioned one firefighter was taken to a local hospital with a heat-related illness.
The following areas will be temporarily closed until the end of the fire emergency:
- California S24/Imperial Dam Road: South closure at intersections of Levee Road and Imperial Dam Roads and north closure at intersection of Laguna Dam Road, Senator Wash Road and S24/Imperial Dam Road
- Road to Betty’s Kitchen Recreation Area and Wildlife viewing area.
BLM also said fire restrictions remain in effect.
YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A fire near Mittry Lake in Yuma County has already burned about 100 acres.
Arizona State Forestry said the fire is near Main Canal and Laguna Dam, not far from Mittry Lake and Winterhaven.
#WestMainFire near Main Canal & Laguna Dam in #Yuma. Fire burning w/n riverbed & active on NE & SW flanks. Est. 80-100 acres & fire has spotted over onto CA side. #AZForestry & @BLMAZFire in unified command. Map approx. loc. Fire boat, helos & dozers requested. #AZFire pic.twitter.com/D1dHUbdYq1
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) June 29, 2023
The fire is burning along the riverbed and is active on the northeast and southwest flanks.
So far, they say the fire has burned 80 to 100 acres and the fire has spotted onto the California side.
Arizona Forestry along with Bureau of Land Management of Arizona fire teams are at the scene.
They are requesting fire boats, helicopters, and dozers.
No reported injuries or structures threatened at this time and no word on how much of the fire is contained.
