The Willow Fire is burning in the Lake Havasu Wildlife Refuge near Topock. The fire started at around 10:00 am Saturday morning. The fire is spreading generally northward The Mohave County Sheriff’s Deputies, Search and Rescue volunteers and Mohave Valley Fire Department worked to evacuate approximately 150 homes in the Delta City and Topock Lake Ranchos subdivisions. This afternoon the Agua View, Marina Cove, Tangerine Terrace, River View Terrace (Colorado Riverview Terrace) and Indian Village subdivisions have been evacuated now as well. The total is approximately 850 homes.

The Mohave Valley Fire Department, Bureau of Land Management, Arizona State Forestry Division and many of the other fire departments from the Mohave County area are working to contain the fire. The fire is estimated at this point to be approximately 5000 acres and growing and zero percent contained. Some structures have been lost, but number of structures lost or damaged has not been confirmed yet. Currently there have not been any reported injuries or fatalities related to the fire. American Red Cross volunteers have opened a shelter for those evacuated due to the Willow Fire in Mohave Valley, AZ. The shelter is at Mohave Valley Elementary School, 1419 E. Willow Dr., Mohave Valley, AZ, 86440. The Western Arizona Humane Society has opened a pet shelter. Large animals and livestock shelter is being offered at Needles Rodeo Grounds, 1501 San Clemente, Needles, CA.

Anyone coming to the shelter is asked to bring their medications and medical equipment (walkers, breathing machines, etc.), clothing for 3 days and important papers such as insurance cards. Those affected by the fire can reach the American Red Cross at 1-800-842-7349. There is no need for donations at this time.