Yuma, Ariz. - Fire fighters are progressing on the Laguna Fire
along the Colorado River about 15 miles north of Yuma, Ariz.
Fire fighters made good progress Thursday on the Laguna Fire. The
acreage burned is approximately 800 acres. Currently the
fire is estimated at 50% contained with full containment Monday, May 23, 2011.
Fifty fire fighters worked Thursday night securing the southern end
of the fire and putting out flare-ups on the California side. Fire
activity continues to be in islands of vegetation inside the fire
perimeter.
An Arizona Type III Incident Management Team (Morrison) assumed
responsibility for the Laguna Fire Friday morning.
“We’re asking folks to please avoid the Mittry Lake area for the next
few days,” said BLM Colorado River District Fire Management Officer Mike
Trent. “We realize it’s an inconvenience, but we appreciate the public’s
cooperation while we get this fire contained. Access for our fire crews
and equipment is challenging.”
Friday’s activity will focus on continued water drops using two
helicopters, using two fire boats to pump water directly on the flames,
dozer work, and hand crews building fire line.
Approximately 130 fire fighters are working the Laguna Fire including
engines and crews from the Rural/Metro, Department of Corrections, Imperial
County, and Yuma Proving Grounds Fire Departments ; and crews from the
Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land
Management. Fifty fire fighters and two engines will work through the night
tonight taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and higher humidities.
The Laguna Fire was reported May 18 and is burning in salt cedar,
willow, cottonwood, and mesquite in the Colorado River riparian area. The
fire started in California on the Quechan Reservation and hopped the river
into Arizona. The fire appears to be human caused and is under
investigation. Approximately 95% of the fire is in Arizona.
All fire fighting agencies in southern Arizona want to remind people
that Fire Restrictions are in effect and ask people to be careful outdoors.
Currently there are no plans to close any areas along the Colorado River
area to public use.
Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts:
1. Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires. Campfires and
charcoal grills are only permitted in developed recreation sites or
improved sites, where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided.
The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is
allowed on public lands provided such devices meet the fire
underwriter’s specifications for safety.
2. Smoking. Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within a
vehicle and on a paved or surface road, within a developed recreation
site, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that
is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices.
4. Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting implement.
Spring rains resulted in the growth of wildflowers, grasses, and
other vegetation that is now drying, dying, and poised to become fuel for
wildfires as temperatures increase. The restrictions will continue until
conditions warrant rescinding.
For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:
Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews
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Quartzsite, Arizona
