LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A wildfire in northwest Arizona has burned 5,364 acres and has moved north into the Mount Tipton Wilderness.
The Element Fire is about four miles east of Chloride and 12 miles north of Kingman, according to Bureau of Land Management officials.
An incident report said the fire started Tuesday night, ignited by a lightning strike. It is currently 5% contained with 145 personnel on the scene fighting the blaze.
Smoke from the fire has not been affecting Las Vegas. The fire is burning desert grass, manzanita and pinyon juniper.
“Crews are working on structure protection as well as working to prevent spread into Mount Tipton Wilderness,” a BLM report indicates.
BLM reports the following closures: Big Wash Road from the water tank junction (CM1470) to the Cherum Peak Trailhead; CM1364 to Big Wash Road; Packsaddle Campground; Windy Point Campground; and Cherum Peak Trailhead.
Wind gusts and possible thunderstorm activity in the area could be factors in efforts to contain the fire.
Kingman is about 107 miles southeast of Las Vegas.
In Nevada, firefighting efforts continue on the Stockade Canyon Fire in Washoe County. That fire has burned 18,212 acres and is the state’s largest wildfire so far this year.
The Broom Canyon Fire in Nye County is now at 1,351 acres, more than double its size a few days ago. The fire is in the Currant Mountain Wilderness area and does not pose a threat to people or property, according to the BLM.
