Dellenbaugh
Updated
THIS FIRE IS STALE
This incident has not been updated in more than three days. Data may be inaccurate.
Response
LEAD AGENCY
National Parks ServiceRESPONSE LEVEL
Type 3Details
Dellenbaugh Fire Report — June 21, 2026
Dellenbaugh Fire Report - June 21, 2026
1 - Fire Start, Size and Growth
Start Date/Time/Location: The Dellenbaugh Fire ignited on the afternoon of Monday, June 15, 2026. It is located in the remote Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, south of Mount Dellenbaugh in Mohave County, Arizona (northeast of Kingman).
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the weekend of June 21, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 779 acres. Containment has significantly increased over the last 72 hours and currently stands at 75%.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Ignited by a lightning strike, the fire initially exhibited extreme fire behavior, including running, torching, and spotting through interior pockets of dry vegetation and timber. Over the last 72 hours, growth on the fire perimeter has been minimal. Fire behavior has largely moderated, with only slight increases in activity and isolated torching observed during the late afternoon and early evening hours.
Containment Efforts: The response is a unified effort involving the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), National Park Service (NPS), and local area fire departments. Recent containment progress was bolstered by the arrival of additional interagency hotshot crews. Firefighters have successfully completed a retardant line on the left flank around the head of the fire and are continuing to secure the right flank using direct line construction.
2 - Emergency Information
Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Currently, there are no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the Dellenbaugh Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: While no formal warnings are currently active, structures approximately 2 miles to the north and northeast of the fire were initially threatened, prompting crews to conduct structure preparation and secure helispot/medivac sites near the fire's edge.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Because there are no active evacuations for this specific incident, no dedicated shelters have been opened.
Road and Infrastructure Closures:
- There are no major state highway closures associated directly with the Dellenbaugh Fire.
- Localized fire area closures remain in effect on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument lands to allow firefighters room to work safely.
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and fire officials remind the public that all active wildfire areas are strictly "No Drone Zones." Unauthorized drone flights will ground aerial firefighting operations.
For more information, visit:
- Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN)
- Bureau of Land Management - Arizona
- InciWeb Incident Information System
3 - Current Impact
Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Dellenbaugh Fire.
Structures Impacted: No structures have been reported damaged or destroyed. Firefighters successfully conducted structure protection operations for the buildings threatened north and northeast of the fire perimeter.
School and Business Closures: There are no school or business closures resulting from this fire due to its highly remote location.
Notable Impacts: The fire is burning within the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, temporarily impacting remote recreational access and conservation areas.
Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with this incident.
Water Safety: There are no specific water safety or contamination advisories in place.
Burn Bans: Due to critical fire weather, widespread fire restrictions are in effect across Mohave County and surrounding areas. Residents and visitors are urged to adhere to all local burn bans, as campfires and outdoor burning are heavily restricted on state and federal lands.
Air Quality: Smoke from the Dellenbaugh Fire may impact local air quality. Residents in affected areas, particularly those with respiratory conditions, should monitor local advisories and limit outdoor activities if smoke becomes visible.
4 - Ongoing Outlook
Containment Projections: With containment at 75% and minimal perimeter growth over the past 48 hours, firefighters project continued success in securing the fire lines. Crews will remain on the scene through the weekend to mop up hot spots, reinforce retardant lines, and patrol the perimeter to prevent any potential escapes.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Extreme fire weather remains a significant hurdle. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for the region, with daytime highs expected to reach or exceed 110°F. Additionally, gusty winds and critically low humidity are anticipated, which could complicate final suppression efforts and increase the risk of new fire starts in the area.
5 - Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate
Cause: The Dellenbaugh Fire was caused by a lightning strike on June 15, 2026.
Weather and Climate: The fire's initial rapid spread was heavily influenced by extreme fire weather conditions, characterized by high westerly winds, critically low relative humidity, and a delayed onset of summer moisture. These extreme climate factors have left vegetation across the Arizona Strip exceptionally dry and highly susceptible to ignition, fueling the extreme fire behavior observed during the fire's early stages.