KINGMAN—While people barbequed and prepared to participate in the Bullhead City fireworks display as spectators, fire and emergency crews had the unenviable task of fighting the Hualapai fire just outside Kingman, Arizona. The tragic loss of eighteen Prescott fire fighters only amplifies the danger of wild fires after a dry winter.

According to an article by Jayne Hanson of the News-Herald, the fire started June 30 by a lightning strike. The fire forced evacuations of home in the path of the fire by Mohave County Sheriff’s Deputies by late Monday morning.

By the 2nd, the fire had scorched over a thousand acres of Bureau of Land Management controlled Arizona property.

On the third, over a hundred fire fighters were having trouble containing the fire because of the rugged terrain. The fire was clearly visible from I-40 on the south side. The exit to DW Ranch Road was closed.

By July 5th, it appeared that fire crews had the fire contained.