Big Sandy Fire: Wildfire that forced evacuations near Wikieup now 50% contained
WIKIEUP, Ariz. - A wildfire that forced evacuations from the unincorporated Mohave County community of Wikieup in northwestern Arizona is now 40% contained.
Officials with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said the wildfire burned 150 acres as of July 22.
Twenty people were initially evacuated as the fire threatened multiple structures as dense vegetation burned close to Big Sandy Wash, located a few miles away from Wikieup.
Smoke was visible along U.S. 93 and officials said the wind-driven fire created numerous spot fires in the area.
Additional resources were ordered, including a hot shot crew.
It’s unclear how the wildfire started, but federal Bureau of Land Management officials said recent monsoon storm activity and lightning have ignited at least six wildfires in the Kingman area.
Wikieup is 139 miles (223 kilometers) northwest of Phoenix.
MORE: Arizona wildfires 2022: What to know about the fires burning in the state
The Associated Press (AP) contributed to this report.