Crews continue to fight Yuma wildfire

YUMA — The Bureau of Land Management’s Yuma Field Office reported Tuesday that a wildfire that started early Saturday morning continues to burn 15 miles northeast of here.

The 1,300-acre Bermuda Fire, which began approximately 3 a.m. Saturday, is about 40 percent contained, BLM said.

Fire safety officials are asking the public to maintain a safe distance from the fire for personal safety and to allow fire operations to continue.

Most of the fire has burned through inaccessible marshy areas, igniting cattails and salt cedar. Salt cedar burns very hot and can remain hot long after the fire appears to be out. Due to the sandy soils in the river corridor, there can be additional fuels burning underneath the surface of the soil. These fuels covered by sand can create very hot cavities that can collapse.

Falling into one of these hidden cavities can lead to serious burn injuries, BLM said. To avoid injury, the public is being asked to stay clear of the area where the fire burned.

Fire response has been a collaborative multi-agency effort with the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Buckskin Fire Department, Arizona State fire crews and private contractors. Firefighters continue to monitor the fire to minimize fire activity.

Mittry Lake Road is currently open beyond Betty’s Kitchen to Laguna Dam Road. Smoke impacts are expected in the area for the next several days.

PHOTO RANDY HOEFT, YUMA SUN Flame and dense black smoke rise Monday afternoon from what is called the Bermuda Fire, located 15 miles northeast of yuma near Mittry Lake. The 1,300acre wildfire was reportedly 40 percent contained as of Tuesday.