YAVAPAI COUNTY, AZ — A Hillside man is facing charges after Yavapai County Sheriff's officials say he drove several miles on a bare metal rim, igniting the Kirkland Wildfire that burned near the Hillside and Yava communities Friday afternoon.
Deputies say it started around 3 p.m. when the man reportedly crashed his truck into an embankment, blowing out a tire.
Instead of stopping, investigators believe he continued driving nearly three miles toward his home on the exposed rim, sending a trail of sparks along Bagdad Road that likely triggered multiple fires.
Firefighters quickly responded and initiated temporary road closures in the area.
The man was arrested on suspicion of DUI, reckless burning, and endangerment.
As of Monday morning, the Kirkland Fire has grown to more than 900 acres and is at 35% containment.
The #KirklandFire was mapped today at 709 ac. Decrease in acreage due to more accurate mapping. Fire is 10% contained on NE side of fire - near County Road 96.
— AZ Dept. Forestry and Fire Management (@azstateforestry) August 3, 2025
Saturday's hot/dry conditions increased fire activity along SE & NW flanks. Fire primarily burning w/n Sadies Peak &… pic.twitter.com/hco1NhCoHL
