Desert Hills, Needles, Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City fire departments have responded to a brush fire that broke out in Topock shortly before noon today.

According to the Bullhead Fire Department, the Sacramento Wash is closed. Five-Mile Landing at County Route 1 is also closed to through traffic, although residents are being allowed to access their homes at this time.

There is also an unconfirmed report of a second fire in Topock.

The Mohave County Sheriff’s Department first reported at 1:40 p.m. that the only evacuation was of people on the beaches, but by 2:15 p.m., Desert Hills Fire Chief Bill Weber said the fire was approaching homes in the area and the homes were being evacuated.

At 2:40 p.m., Lake Havasu Fire Chief Dennis Mueller said one battalion chief and one engine company responded to the fire. He reported heavy smoke in the surrounding areas.

RiverScene Magazine will be posting updates.

Mohave County Emergency Management Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Please broadcast current road closures and evacuation information regarding the Willow fire that began in the Wildlife Refuge today, August 8, 2015. Currently, the Red Cross is opening a shelter at Mohave Valley Elementary School, 1419 Willow Drive, Mohave Valley, AZ.
At this time a mandatory evacuation order is in place for all residences south of Laguna Road and East of Vanderslice Road in Mohave Valley, AZ.
Current road closure information is in place for County Route 1 at Plantation and all roads within the above evacuation locations.

For Additional Information please contact:
Byron Steward
Emergency Management Coordinator
Emergency Management Division
Mohave County Development Services
Phone 928-757-0930
3250 E. Kino Avenue, Kingman, AZ 86409
Byron.Steward@mohavecounty.us