Refuge (AZIMR)

Wildfire Status:

The Refuge Fire, which ignited on May 25, 2024, approximately 40 miles north of Yuma, Arizona, is currently active and spans 1,041 acres. The fire is situated within the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge and primarily affects salt cedar and riparian vegetation along the Colorado River. As of the latest update, the fire is 61% contained, with efforts ongoing to secure the perimeter and manage smoldering within the contained areas. A Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Benjamin Stewart, is overseeing the response to the incident, which is confirmed to be human-caused and is under investigation.

Currently, a total of 116 personnel are engaged in firefighting efforts. The response plan includes mop-up operations, securing public access routes, and beginning suppression repair activities. The Central West Zone Incident Management Team is set to transition resources back to the Fish and Wildlife Service on May 31, 2024. The estimated date for full containment is projected for June 8, 2024, as crews continue to monitor and manage the situation.

Weather conditions in the area remain a concern, with persistent hot, dry, and windy conditions. Temperatures are reaching the low 100s, and humidity levels are reported to be in the low teens, which could impact firefighting efforts. The incident management team is closely monitoring these conditions to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of both personnel and the surrounding environment.

Visit Inciweb Incident Page for more information. Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only.

Containment History:

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