Lightning struck at Cibola National Wildlife Refuge on August 9 setting heavy fuels ablaze, creating extreme smoke resulting in voluntary evacuations of residents of Walters Camp. Cibola NWR overlaps La Paz County Arizona and Imperial County California and is about 20 miles south of Blythe. To date approximately 400 acres have burned -- tamarisk is the primary fuel and when it burns it throws heavy dark smoke.
The Service is being assisted by the Bureau of Land Management and crews from the Arizona Department of Corrections. Fire Management Officer for Arizona Butch Wilson said, "With help from an air tanker, helicopter and two SEATS we completed a tie in of 70% of dozer- made line." "Humidity and an overcast sky were welcome elements to yesterdays efforts," said Wilson. "Winds from thunderstorms are always cause for concern. Winds create erratic fire behavior and dangerous conditions." Firefighter safety is always primary when it comes to fighting wildfires as is bearing watch on adjacent communities and the residents who may be impacted.
The communities of Walters Camp and Mitchells Camp are among the threats the fire poses. There is no public access to the area of the wildfire, however the Refuge Visitor Center remains open to the public needing information, hours are from 08:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Cibola provides habitat for the endangered southwest willow flycatcher, yellow-billed cuckoo and Yuma clapper rail.
For more information on the Refuge go to: http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/CibolaNWR/index.html
