The Kirkland Fire has grown to 923 acres. It has also resulted in an arrest.
According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, a Hillside resident was taken into custody Friday for starting this wildfire. The suspect reportedly drove his pickup truck into an embankment, resulting in a blown tire. Instead of staying put, the driver continued down the road on the metal rim, which created sparks and started several roadside fires, which ultimately grew into the Kirkland Fire. The driver was arrested for DUI, reckless burning, and endangerment.
The fire is 35 percent contained. The SET status has been lifted for the Hillside and Yava communities. County Road 15, which had been closed at the onset of the fire, is now open, but the Sheriff’s Office is asking everyone to find alternate routes. Around 100 personnel are assigned to this fire.