By admin 
BAGDAD, AZ (AZFamily) — Firefighters are making major gains against a lightning-caused wildfire in Yavapai County after another successful day of aerial ignition and hand-firing operations, fire officials said Friday.
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The Campwood Fire, which remains at 1,018 acres, is burning about five miles northeast of Bagdad. While the fire is still 0% contained, fire officials said significant progress has been made this week.
Officials said Friday that the fire activity is decreasing with minimal smoke showing within its interior. Crews are again carrying out aerial ignitions and hand-firing along the fire’s perimeter and interior.
Meanwhile, very sparse fuels and natural barriers along the east and south sides are helping to slow the fire’s progression. Crews are working to mop up areas along the west side on Campwood Road and to the north of the fire.
Over the past few days, helicopter crews have used strategic aerial ignitions to move the blaze off Blue Mountain’s steep terrain and into areas where ground crews can more safely engage it.
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The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said lightning caused the wildfire on Blue Mountain as a storm passed over the area on Sunday, Aug. 23. Dense desert vegetation, unsafe terrain and hot, dry conditions made fighting the fire difficult early in the week.
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