Gemstone Fire 75% contained; crews fight to protect structures, power lines
Rey Covarrubias Jr.The Gemstone Fire burning near Kingman had burned nearly 200 acres by Saturday as crews managed to reach a 75% containment of the blaze, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
The state forestry agency reported that on Thursday about 8 p.m., a wildfire was first detected 5 miles southeast of Kingman in Mohave County. Initial reports indicated concerns about the fire threatening structures and power lines.
Later that night, approximately 60 firefighters worked to protect high-voltage power lines, communication towers, and structures in the area.
Crews were successfully able to prevent any property damage as the threat against structures decreased significantly by Friday morning, according to the state forestry agency.
Rain in the area helped diminish the fire as crews remained at the site through Saturday morning.
On Friday evening, the fire was confirmed to have spread to 177 acres and was 75% contained, according to forestry spokesperson Tiffany Davila.
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"Crews continuing with mop-up today will be checking for any remaining heat sources," Davila said.
The cause of the fire remained unknown.