Pilot Fire burns over 32,000 acres near Wikieup; 0% containment
WIKIEUP, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- A wildfire that sparked up near the town of Wikieup over the weekend has burned over 32,000 acres in nearly a week, officials say. On Sunday, crews were checking for heat signatures and continuing to fight the flames. It still has not been contained, according to fire officials.
The fire is confirmed to be human-caused, but what sparked the flames is still under investigation.
On Saturday, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said a containment line is being established along the northwest side of the fire, and additional ground and air resources are being called to battle the blaze. Crews are also utilizing natural fire barriers, previous fire scars and natural monsoon activity to help with suppression efforts.
The Pilot Fire started late Saturday morning, July 1, near the O RO Ranch in Yavapai County’s Mohon Mountains. The fire began to burn 1,776 acres as it went uphill about 20 miles northeast of Wikieup along the Mohon Mountains. By last Wednesday, the fire had grown to over 5,000 acres and was mapped at 8,201 acres on Thursday. The Pilot Fire spread to 22,287 acres by Friday night.
Since the fire has been moving through remote terrain, it hasn’t threatened any structures or ranches in the area. However, crews are still working to learn more about how the fire is growing. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management had “boots on the ground” to better understand the fire’s behavior and movement and scout for suppression options.
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