Refuge Fire Update

Location: Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, north of Martinez Lake, Yuma AZ

Start Date: May 25, 2024

Size: Approximately 1041 Acres 

Percent Contained: 61 %

Cause: Human Caused, Under Investigation

Vegetation:  Salt Cedar and Riparian vegetation

Resources:   2 Crews, 8 Engines, 1 Helicopters, 1 Dozers, 1Water Tender and Additional Support Personnel

Number of Personnel Assigned:  116

Update: Fire crews will continue to monitor and patrol hot spots within the interior of the burned area for days or weeks to come. Crews will also be conducting suppression repair efforts to return the burned area to pre-fire condition as much as possible to maintain critical habitat. The Central West Zone Incident Management Team (CWZT3) will transition all fire resources back to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Friday. The fuels involved in the burned area will continue to smolder for weeks due to weather conditions, higher temperatures, wind gusts and lower relative humidity. These conditions will play a part in how long unburned vegetation will need to be monitored. Fire resources will remain on the fire for as long as a threat persists while being under the management of the Service. 

Community Response: Roadways on the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge will remain closed for an undetermined time whilefirefighters continue monitoring, patrolling hot spots. We are requesting that the public continue to exercise patience during the closure for the safety of themselves and fire crews. There are currently no immediate threats to surrounding communities, infrastructure, or natural resources. 

Smoke: Smoke production is very limited, but some smoldering of fuels will produce smoke for weeks to come.  

Closures:  Red Cloud Mine Road and service roads on the Refuge. 

Fire Restrictions:  No fires are allowed in Fish and Wildlife Service areas. More information about fire management can be found at:  Fire management . 

For fire information please call (928) 783-3371
InciWeb: InciWeb.gov Refuge Fire
Facebook:  Imperial National Wildlife Refuge