Fire officials say a person grilling along the side of the road sparked the Spar Fire near Yarnell last Thursday. Crews with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management say the fire’s forward progress was stopped after burning about three-and-a-half acres of grass and brush.
The fire burned west of the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park, the site created to honor the 19 firefighters who lost their lives during the devastating Yarnell Hill Fire in June of 2013.
Firefighters say quick response from ground and air crews helped keep the fire small and prevent it from spreading further into the area. Fire officials are now urging people to avoid using grills or other open flames along roadsides or in dry, fire-prone areas, especially as hotter and windier conditions continue across Arizona.
Residents in wildfire-prone communities are also being reminded to have an emergency evacuation plan and keep supply kits ready in case they are asked to leave their homes during a fire emergency.
Authorities say even a single spark can quickly lead to a dangerous wildfire this time of year.