On the night of Aug. 8, lightening struck in Frehner Canyon, just south of Littlefield, AZ causing damage to 236 acres of land. According to the BLM Arizona Strip District, fire activity was considered minimal and full containment was achieved on Monday, Aug. 12. Photo was taken on Aug. 8, approximately 45 minutes after lightening struck. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

On Thursday, Aug. 8, at 5:57 p.m. lightening struck land just south of Beaver Dam/Littlefield, AZ causing a smoldering wildfire affecting an estimated 236 acres of short grasses, brush and Pinion Juniper in Frehner Canyon.

Crews monitored the fire overnight and began containment measures utilizing one helicopter, three engines and one crew the morning of Aug. 9.

On Saturday, Aug. 10 the BLM reported no new fire growth occurring overnight. Lower intensity burning with minimal creeping and smoldering had been seen on the east end of the fire.  Kayli Yardley, PIO with the Forest Service reported, “An interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team will oversee fire operations starting today. Crews will be tying in the east side of the fire by utilizing helicopters to perform bucket work along the fire edge. Aerial resources will also be taking firefighters to the top of the ridgeline and hiking in to clean up hot spots and check retardant lines.”

Picture from Old Highway 91, showing fire on BLM land in Frehner Canyon, across the Virgin River, just south of Littlefield, AZ. Photo was taken approximately 45 minutes after lightning struck on Thursday, Aug. 8. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

As of Sunday, Aug. 11 the fire was reported to be 60% contained with crews continuing to monitor any hot spots.

According to the BLM Arizona Strip Office the current hot and dry weather conditions were a concern due to isolated pockets of heat that may remain within the interior of the fire.

Full containment was achieved on Monday, Aug. 12 and continued monitoring transitioned back to the local unit.