Arizona Emergency Information Network

Resources are responding to a 1/10-acre fire, deemed the Wilson Fire, located 2.5 miles north of downtown Sedona (34°55'42.0"N 111°45'54.0"W) in the Wilson Tank area.

Air attack has arrived and an engine is on the way. A helicopter has been ordered as well.

The fire is minimally creeping and smoldering on a flat mesa in the Brins Fire (2006) burn scar. There is a low spread potential due to light southwest winds.

Smoke will be visible from the Sedona, Oak Creek and Munds Park areas. There are no closures at this time.

The fire was reported at 1:30 a.m. Monday by an aircraft flying overhead. Its cause is under investigation.

The Coconino National Forest has reduced the size of the closure area for the Tunnel Fire to allow for increased access and recreation in areas that access Lockett Meadow and the inner basin via Forest Road 552.

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has completed its assessment of the Tunnel Fire areas, and the Flagstaff Ranger District has determined it is safe to reduce the size of the closure in that area. Information about the BAER results can be found on the Tunnel Fire BAER Inciweb page, including the Soil Burn Severity Map.

At this time, the closure is set to remain in effect until June 20. However, the closure area may be reduced again in the future or may be completely rescinded before that date if conditions allow.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory in Maricopa County for Friday, May 13 through Sunday, May 15.

Restrictions

• Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
• Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing during HPAs.
• Off-road vehicle use should be avoided.

Take Action

• Drive as little as possible: carpool, use public transit, or telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit Valley Metro: www.ShareTheRide.com 
• Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
• Reduce your time waiting in long drive-thru lines. For example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, or banks. Park your vehicle and go inside.
• Use low-VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.
• Delay big painting projects until HPAs have passed.
• Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
• Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
• Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
• Conserve electricity.

Transportation Coordinators

Due to unhealthy levels of ozone, Maricopa County Air Quality Department requests all Transportation Coordinators to email employees and activate your HPA plans. The department encourages the use of alternative modes of transportation, especially when pollution levels are expected to be on the rise.

Remind employees that they are encouraged to make more clean air. By taking small, simple steps every day, we can all make a difference. Additional tips on how to reduce air pollution can be found at www.CleanAirMakeMore.com.

Ozone: Ground level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction that needs heat from sunlight, nitrogen oxides and VOCs to form. The months of April through September make up our Valley’s longer-than-normal "ozone season."

"High Pollution Advisory" or "HPA" means the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard. Active children, adults and people with lung disease such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Maricopa County employers enlisted in the Travel Reduction Program are asked to activate their HPA plans on high pollution advisory days.

 The Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit, located on the west side of State Route 277 at mile marker 307.9, caught fire at approximately 0830 on May 12th. The fire is a non-criminal, human-caused ignition from a vehicle exhaust pipe contacting dry, 1-hour fuels. The fire quickly spread to the materials in the pit. The fire area is contained by roads, Fire staff and resources are on-scene. Active suppressions methods are being utilized and success is controlling the fire is expected. The brush pit will remain closed until Fire personal deem it safe to re-open. Smoke is expected to be visible for the next several days.

The public is encouraged to check for dragging trailer chains, avoid pulling off into grassy areas, watch for sparks, and follow fire restrictions.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following actions:

• Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes, outside a fire structure that is provided by the Forest Service within a Designated Area (Designated Areas are listed in Exhibit B). 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).

Information on air quality can be found on Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s webpage: https://azdeq.gov/.

The public can obtain additional information by calling the Black Mesa Ranger District at (928) 535-7300. Stay up to date on news from the A - S at our website https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf, on Twitter @A_SNFs and on facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.

The break in the Red Flag conditions have allowed firefighters to continue to build, improve, and
strengthen containment lines around the San Rafael Fire. While some heat remains at the head of the fire, the lull in high winds has significantly helped resources establish additional containment and prevent further spread to the north and northeast. Yesterday, crews were able to get line in on the western, eastern, and southern flanks of the fire.

Today work continues to tie in any unsecured line and begin mopping up. Firefighters are also tasked with patrolling the fire line to check for any interior smokes or hotspots that remain. An estimated 165 ground personnel remain assigned with aircraft on standby, if needed. Some resources on San Rafael have been reassigned to provide for initial attack should a new incident start nearby. With the increase in containment efforts overnight, the Southeast Zone Incident Management Team will transition the fire back to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and the Coronado National Forest at 6:00 am Friday.

Forest Road 799 and the Arizona Trail from Patagonia Lake to Harshaw Road remain closed for public and firefighter safety. All residential areas have returned to READY status per the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. The San Rafael Fire started on Saturday, May 7, 2022, and pushed nearly 12 miles to the northeast the following day due to high winds and a dry grass crop. A corral at San Rafael State Natural Area was damaged during the start of the fire. The fire remains under
investigation.

This will be the final news release for the incident unless significant activity occurs. Information will stay updated on Inciweb and both DFFM and the Coronado National Forest’s social media platforms.

Fire Details:
Start date – Saturday, May 7, 2022
Size – 11,620 acres
Containment – 62%
Location – 22 miles SE of Patagonia
Cause- Under Investigation

Information Resources:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8100/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonastateforestry

Today crews get some relief from the critical fire weather as Red Flag conditions dissipate over the fire area. Yet, even with yesterday’s Red Flag Warning, the fire did not see much additional growth. Firefighters were able to keep it within its current footprint and keep the fire from pushing through established containment lines. Today fire objectives include, constructing containment lines along the southern and western sides of the fire and mopping up along the eastern edge where containment lines have already been put in. The fire is 11,611 acres and is 12% contained.

The fire remains active on the northern and southwestern sides, with hot spots, smoldering and creeping being reported within the fire’s interior. Pockets of interior fuel continue to burn, therefore as afternoon winds increase, smoke may be visible to nearby communities. A helicopter remains assigned to the fire to assist with bucket work to suppress any hot spots. There is no critical fire weather forecast for the fire area today, but afternoon winds could gust up to 30 miles per hour. Nearly 200 personnel are assigned to the fire, including hand crews, engines, water tenders, and aircraft resources.

Per the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, all GO and SET notifications have been lifted as of Tuesday morning and
residents have been placed back to READY, with the exception of the Canelo South-area which remains in SET. Forest
Road 799 is closed for firefighter safety as crews continue to work along that roadway. Crews are also finding people in the burn area and for safety reasons, people are asked to stay out as hazards, such as ash pits, exist. As with any wildfire
incident, conditions are constantly changing and it is essential people be prepared and stay aware. Residents should sign up for emergency notifications through their county’s emergency management website and put together a ‘go bag’. A go bag consists of important documents or papers, prescriptions, photos, money, snacks and water that one can grab quickly during the evacuation process. The San Rafael Fire started on Saturday, May 7, 2022, and pushed nearly 12 miles to the northeast the following day due to high winds and a dry grass crop. The fire remains under investigation.

Fire Details:
Start date – Saturday, May 7, 2022
Size – 11,611 acres
Containment – 12%
Location – 22 miles SE of Patagonia
Cause- Under Investigation

Information Resources:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8100/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonastateforestry

Crews took advantage of the decreased fire activity overnight and conducted fire handline construction ahead of the fire as a way to help slow the fire’s forward progress. This is a tactic used to reduce fuel in an area to potentially limit fire spread and growth. However, another round of Red Flag conditions Monday may hinder daytime fire suppression efforts as high winds, low relative humidity, and a dry fuel bed can create fast fire spread and erratic fire behavior, and likely unsafe fire conditions for direct suppression efforts. Predicted winds out of the southwest again can push the fire further to the north and northeast.

Additional resources arrived on the fire Monday morning, include hand crews and engines. Nearly 120 personnel are
assigned to the fire. Aircraft, including Large Air Tankers (LATs), Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs), and helicopters are also
assigned, but high winds may limit the ability to use aircraft efficiently.

On Sunday, the wind-driven fire pushed to the northeast twelve miles through a very dry grass crop. The fire was mapped Monday morning at 10,562 acres with no containment. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office reports SET for residents northeast of State Route 83 and Forest Road 799. The area south of State Route 83, in the area of Canelo Pass Road and Forest Road 799, remains in GO. Approximately 80 people have been evacuated due to the fire. Trigger points are used by fire management to determine when to notify residents of a possible evacuation based on current and expected fire behavior. But as with any wildfire incident, conditions can change quickly and residents are urged to stay alert and be mindful of their surroundings. The Red Cross has set up a shelter for evacuees at the United Methodist Community Church, 387 McKeown Avenue, in Patagonia. Currently, State Route 83 is open, but road conditions can also change at any given time.

Drivers are urged to check 5-1-1. On Saturday, May 7, 2022, around 6:30 pm, the Department of Forestry and Fire Management, along with federal and local cooperators responded to the San Rafael Fire, approximately 22 miles
southeast of Patagonia, in the San Rafael State Natural Area. The fire is under investigation.

Fire Details:
Start date – Saturday, May 7, 2022
Size – 10,562 acres
Containment – 0%
Location – 22 miles SE of Patagonia
Cause- Under Investigation

Information Resources:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8100/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonastateforestry

Firefighters have made progress strengthening and improving the northwest edge of the Crooks Fire, preventing growth during critical fire weather.  Crews and heavy equipment will continue to patrol the fire, mop up remaining hot spots near control lines, repair and rehabilitate areas where suppression actions were taken, and clear hazardous snags and debris along roadways in and around the fire area.  Light smoke may be visible at times, as interior fuels continue to burn and smolder. 

Over the next few days, the Incident Management Team will begin to release resources. This process is known as right-sizing the organization.  Crews will be released from the fire as objectives are met and made available to assist with other wildfires in the southwest. Remaining resources will patrol and hold the fire perimeter to ensure the fire remains within the planning area.  As resources are released, the CWZ Type 3 team will begin moving the Incident Base Camp out of Watson Lake and over to Groom Creek Horse Camp on the Bradshaw Ranger District.  This move could start on Tuesday, May 10 and continue through Thursday May 12, allowing the City of Prescott to re-open Watson Lake. 

As a reminder, residents within the Crooks Fire area need to utilize caution while driving on the roads as firefighters continue to work in and around the fire area. The Prescott National Forest has issued a new reduced closure order which reduces the size and continues to provide for public and firefighter safety. Hazards still exist in and around the fire area and residents living nearby should utilize care as fire-weakened trees, ash pits, and burned stump holes remain.

The next Crooks Fire update will be on Monday, May 16, 2022.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:  Fire restrictions are used to limit certain activities on public lands during periods of extreme fire risk. Fire restrictions have various levels called stages. Each stage limits specific activities and can vary from place to place, even those areas in close proximity. Know before you go on that trip to visit our national forests or public lands.  Check on current fire restrictions at:  WildlandFire.az.gov

WEATHER:  Sunny, dry and breezy conditions are expected to continue through midweek.  A weather system will rapidly increase south-southwest winds on Wednesday before winds shift to northwest Wednesday evening.  Drier and less windy conditions will return later this week. 

FOREST CLOSURE: The Prescott National Forest has reduced the fire area emergency closure allowing for Upper Goldwater Lake and portions of the Circle Trail to re-open to the public.  The closure provides public health and safety due to firefighting operations on the Crooks Fire. Prescott National Forest Fire Closure Order and Fire Closure Map

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place: Wildfires are a NO Drone Zone. Flying recreational and media drones within a TFR is illegal and impedes fire suppression efforts. Report drones to local law enforcement. If you Fly, We Can’t.

Fire Details:
Location:  11 nautical miles south of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 1), near Mt Union.
Start Date:  April 18, 2022
Size:  Approximately 9,402 acres
Percent Contained:  96%
Cause:  Under Investigation.    
Vegetation:  Timber (Litter and Understory), Chaparral (6ft)
Number of Personnel Assigned:  217  

Due to Red Flag conditions, including wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour, the San Rafael Fire is being reported at 10,000 acres. The wind-driven fire continues to push to the northeast across a heavy grass crop and is burning actively on the northeast side. Multiple hand crews and engines are currently engaged in fire suppression efforts. Aircraft, to include, Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs), Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs), a Large Air Tanker (LAT), and helicopters are also assigned to the fire.

At noon today, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management transitioned the fire to the Southeast Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office reports evacuations, or GO, for the San Rafael Valley and residences on Canelo Pass Road and Canelo Road. As with any wildfire incident, residents are urged to be on alert and be aware of their surroundings. Due to constantly changing conditions, more evacuations may be necessary. DFFM is working closely with the Sheriff’s Office on the need for evacuations or pre evacuations.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has also closed State Route 83 northbound at the Cochise-Santa Cruz County line at milepost 10. For updated traffic information, dial 5-1-1.A Red Flag Warning was issued for the fire area through Sunday evening for high winds, low relative humidity, and very high to extreme fire behavior. The dry fuel bed coupled with those conditions are challenging firefighters and making suppression efforts difficult.

On Saturday, May 7, 2022, around 6:30 pm, DFFM along with federal and local cooperators responded to the San Rafael Fire, approximately 22 miles southeast of Patagonia, in the San Rafael State Natural Area. One secondary structure has been confirmed destroyed. The fire is under investigation at this time.

Fire Details 

• Start date – Saturday, May 7, 2022
• Size – 10,000 acres
• Containment – 0%
• Location – 22 miles SE of Patagonia
• Cause- Under Investigation

More information

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8100/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonastateforestry

The emergency closure area for the Crooks Fire has been reduced allowing for the opening of Upper Goldwater Lake and additional trails north of County Road 101, including portions of the Circle Trail and School House Gulch.  Trails in Groom Creek and Spruce Mountain remain closed for public safety.  All roads, trails and recreation sites including Upper and Lower Wolf Creek Campgrounds and Palace Station remain closed within the closure area. 

Despite weather conditions yesterday, crews were successful keeping fire inside of exiting contained edges on the northern and eastern sides of the fire.    Firefighters continue working to increase the depth of mop up operations along the fire’s uncontained northwest edge, working towards the interior to extinguish remaining pockets of heat.  Suppression repair work and chipping is near completion along Forest Service Road 97B and in the community of Potato Patch.  We would like to remind residents driving in the area to utilize caution as fire traffic and personnel are still working in the communities of Potato Path, Walker, Lookout Mountain and Spruce Mountain.

Red Flag warnings continue today for Prescott.  Crews will continue to stay vigilant during critical fire weather days and be prepared to assist in any initial attack efforts in the Prescott Basin if needed.   Mount Union Lookout has been staffed to help monitor the fire area and notify fire personnel of any possible flair-ups that could cause concern along the fires edge; and monitor the southern portion of the Bradshaw Ranger District for any fire activity or smoke.  

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:  Fire restrictions are used to limit certain activities on public lands during periods of extreme fire risk. Fire restrictions have various levels called stages. Each stage limits specific activities and can vary from place to place, even those areas in close proximity. Know before you go on that trip to visit our national forests or public lands.  Check on current fire restrictions at:  WildlandFire.az.gov

WEATHER: Red Flag conditions will continue today due to very dry conditions and strong southwest winds.  Winds with gusts of 40-45 mph are possible mid-afternoon.  

FOREST CLOSURE: The Prescott National Forest has implemented a reduce fire area emergency closure on May 7, 2022, to provide public health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the uncontrolled Crooks Fire. Prescott National Forest Fire Closure Order and Fire Closure Map

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place: Wildfires are a NO Drone Zone. Flying recreational and media drones within a TFR is illegal and impedes fire suppression efforts. Report drones to local law enforcement. If You Fly, We Can’t.

Infrared Fligh Map Showing Scatterd Heat on the Crooks Fire

Fire Details

• Location: 11 nautical miles south of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 1), near Mt Union.
• Start Date:  April 18, 2022
• Size:    Approximately 9,402 acres
• Percent Contained:   96%
• Cause:     Under Investigation.    
• Vegetation:   Timber (Litter and Understory), Chaparral (6ft)
• Number of Personnel Assigned:  276

Critical fire weather entering the state may challenge firefighters over the next few days as conditions align for extreme fire danger. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for most of Arizona through Sunday night due to strong southwest winds and low relative humidity which can potentially intensify fire behavior and increase fire activity. Fuels remain critically dry and receptive to fire. Crews have been staged ahead of the incoming weather to provide for initial attack on new starts and to patrol the fire lines for any possible holding concerns.

On Friday, aircraft flew the fire and picked up some heat within its perimeter on the northwest side. The heavy timber component on that side is contributing to increased fire behavior and heat. Crews are inserted along that edge to suppress it and tie in remaining, uncontained line. Aircraft will continue to monitor the northwest side and provide bucket work, if needed. On the northern and eastern sides of the fire, containment lines remain stable and no interior heat is being reported. Firefighters continue conducting repair work in the Mount Union area and removing protective foil wrap used on the historic cabin in Palace Station. Repair work also continues in the community of Potato Patch. Heavy equipment, including masticators and chippers are being used as part of the rehabilitation work within communities and along the roadways. And as a reminder, residents and visitors driving in the area need to utilize caution.

Today, a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team begins their assessment of the Crooks Fire burn area. The team will conduct evaluations of the area to identify concerns and hazards on National Forest Service (NFS) lands, including post-fire flooding, watershed conditions, and potential impacts to critical and cultural resources nearby.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: WildlandFire.az.gov

WEATHER: Red Flag conditions Saturday through Sunday due to very dry conditions and strong southwest winds. The strongest winds on Saturday will gust 30-40 mph. Winds will be strongest on Sunday with gusts up to 50 mph. 

FOREST CLOSURE: The Prescott National Forest has implemented a fire area emergency closure to provide public health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the uncontrolled Crooks Fire. Prescott National Forest Fire Closure Order – Fire Closure Map

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place: Wildfires are a NO Drone Zone. Flying recreational and media drones within a TFR is illegal and impedes fire suppression efforts. Report drones to local law enforcement. If You Fly, We Can’t.

Fire Details

• Location: 11 nautical miles south of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 1), near Mt Union.
• Start Date:  April 18, 2022
• Size:    Approximately 9,402 acres
• Percent Contained:   96%
• Cause:     Under Investigation.    
• Vegetation:   Timber (Litter and Understory), Chaparral (6ft)
• Number of Personnel Assigned:  272

Fire suppression and repair work continues on the fire as crews build contingency line in the Spruce Mountain-area. The contingency line acts as a secondary fire line and helps slow potential fire spread. It also provides for community safety due to the potential for increasing terrain driven winds pushing the remaining unsecured edge to the north and northeast. On Thursday, crews also picked up a flare up on the northwest side of the fire with the help of aircraft providing bucket work. Firefighters continue to patrol and monitor the perimeter of the fire checking for interior smokes and hot spots. As work continues, residents and visitors need to be aware of heavy equipment and firefighting resources traveling in and out of the area.

As a reminder, the Prescott National Forest has implemented a fire area emergency closure which ultimately provides for both public and firefighter safety. However, law enforcement and firefighters continue to find people hiking and off-roading within the closure area. While the fire remains 96% contained and fire activity has significantly decreased, hazards exist in and around the fire’s perimeter. Ash pits, stump holes, and downed trees can often go unnoticed by the public and create additional safety risks. The Upper and Lower Wolf Creek Campgrounds, Groom Creek Horse Camp, Ranch Trail #62, and Goldwater Lake remain closed. Watson Lake also remains closed as it continues to serve as base camp for fire crews and overhead.

Another round of critical fire weather is forecast for the fire area for the next few days. Warm temperatures, increased southwest winds and low humidity levels play a role in fire activity and behavior. Firefighters remain vigilant ahead of the critical fire weather and have crews staged to provide for initial attack should a new start occur. Also, Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place on both the Prescott National Forest and State Trust Lands within Yavapai County. Detailed fire restriction information can be found at: WildlandFire.az.gov

WEATHER: Ridgetop winds will increase after the inversion breaks between 9:30-10:00 a.m. with afternoon gusts increasing to 25-30 mph after noon. Poor humidity recoveries are expected again tonight. Red Flag conditions are likely Saturday and potentially into early next week due to very dry conditions and strong southwest winds

FOREST CLOSURE: The Prescott National Forest has implemented a fire area emergency closure to provide public health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the uncontrolled Crooks Fire. Prescott National Forest Fire Closure Order – Fire Closure Map

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place: Wildfires are a NO Drone Zone. Flying recreational and media drones within a TFR is illegal and impedes fire suppression efforts. Report drones to local law enforcement. If You Fly, We Can’t.

Fire Details

• Location: 11 nautical miles south of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 1), near Mt Union.
• Start Date:  April 18, 2022
• Size:    Approximately 9,402 acres
• Percent Contained:   96%
• Cause:     Under Investigation.    
• Vegetation:   Timber (Litter and Understory), Chaparral (6ft)
• Number of Personnel Assigned:  300

Today, the California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 (CIIMT) transferred command of the fire to Incident Commander Ryan Barela’s Central West Zone Type 3 Team. Barela’s team shadowed the CIIMT4 on Wednesday to ensure a smooth transition for management of the fire. Fire objectives remain the same, which include, providing for the safety of the public and fire resources, keeping the fire within its current footprint, and ensuring total suppression of the fire.

Firefighters remain actively engaged working to button up some uncontained line on the northwest edge of the fire. Crews are also patrolling for interior smokes and monitoring containment lines. Pockets of interior fuel continue to burn west of Lookout Mountain, therefore smoke may be visible to nearby communities. Additionally, crews are backhauling equipment off the line and providing rehabilitation work to mitigate hazards associated with suppression tactics.

As of 8 a.m. today, Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place on the Prescott National Forest and State Trust Lands within Yavapai County. Campfires are restricted to developed campsites only and smoking is only allowed inside a building or vehicle. Target shooting and fireworks are prohibited on both the Prescott National Forest and all State Trust land.  For detailed information: WildlandFire.az.gov

WEATHER: Expect a round of very dry and sunny conditions. Afternoon humidity will dip below 15%. Ridgetop winds will increase after the inversion breaks at 11:00 a.m., with afternoon gusts above 20 mph. Poor humidity recoveries are expected tonight. Very dry conditions will continue on Friday, along with an increase in southwest winds. On Saturday, a round of near critical fire weather conditions is possible due to a combination of very dry and windy weather.

EVACUATIONS: Residents should continue to monitor the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page for current information. https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/

FOREST CLOSURE:  The Prescott National Forest has reduced the Crooks Fire Area Emergency Closure.  Several recreation sites and trails remain closed.  To view the closure and map visit: Prescott National Forest Fire Closure Order – Fire Closure Map

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place: Wildfires are a NO Drone Zone. Flying recreational and media drones within a TFR is illegal and impedes fire suppression efforts. Report drones to local law enforcement. If You Fly, We Can’t!

Fire Details:
Location: 11 nautical miles south of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 1), near Mt Union.
Start Date: April 18, 2022
Size: Approximately 9,402 acres
Percent Contained: 96%
Cause: Under Investigation.    
Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Chaparral (6ft)
Number of Personnel Assigned: 500

Beginning at 8 a.m., today, Thursday, May 5, 2022 Stage 1 Fire and Smoking Restrictions will be in effect on the entire Prescott National Forest. 

The City of Prescott and Yavapai County will enter State 1 fire restrictions at the same time.  Please visit their websites at www.cazfire.org or http://www.prescott-az.gov/services/fire/ for further information.

Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit the following:

Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes outside a fire structure that is provided by the Forest Service within a designated area.
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.
Discharging a firearm, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations.
 
Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of dangerous fire conditions. Decisions about fire restrictions are based on a combination of carefully measured factors. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought and available firefighting resources.

The public is reminded to always be extra cautious when recreating on public lands, regardless of restrictions.  For information on all Arizona state and federal fire restrictions, including an interactive map, visit wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. 

To view Forest Order 03-09-00-22-03: Prescott National Forest Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, visit  Alerts & Notices.

For fire restriction information please call (928) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.      

The following is a comprehensive list of the DESIGNATED AREAS, as referenced in Prohibition #1.  Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes, is only allowed within a fire structure (metal fire rings and/or metal pedestal grills) provided by the Forest Service at the following developed recreation areas:

Bradshaw Ranger District (928) 443-8000

Alto Pit OHV Campground and Day-Use
Lynx Campground
Yavapai Campground
Lynx Creek Ruin Day - Use
Cayuse Equestrian TH Day - Use
Lynx Lake North Shore Day - Use
Wekuvde Day - Use
Lynx Lake South Shore Day - Use
Groom Creek Horse Campground
White Spar Campground
Hilltop Campground
Thumb Butte Day - Use + Group Ramada
Ranch Trailhead #62
Hazlett Hollow Campground
Eagle Ridge Campground
Horsethief Cabin
Lower Wolf Creek Campground
Turney Gulch Group Campground
Upper Wolf Creek Campground

Verde Ranger District (928) 567-4121

Mingus Mountain Campground
Beasley Flat Day-Use
Mingus Tent Sites
Black Canyon Day - Use
Mingus Group Site
Copper Canyon Trailhead
Mingus Vista Day - Use
Summit Day - Use
Mingus Picnic Day - Use
Playground Group Campground
Sycamore Cabin Rental
Potato Patch Campground
Hayfield Draw OHV Day - Use
White Bridge Day - Use
AZHPA Campground

Chino Valley Ranger District

N/A

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are planning to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective May 5, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. due to increasing fire activity and dry conditions. The increased fire danger is due to insufficient moisture and dry fuel conditions across the forest.

Fire officials use several criteria to determine when to modify fire restrictions, including current and predicted weather, fuel moistures, fire activity, and available firefighting resources. These restrictions reduce the risk of unwanted human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions. Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are ALWAYS prohibited on National Forests.

Stage I fire restrictions prohibit the following:

1. Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes outside a fire structure that is provided by the Forest Service within a designated area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).

3. Discharging a firearm, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(m).

Exemptions to the restrictions include the following:

1. Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. §261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from the provisions in this Order:

2. Holders of Forest Service Special Use Authorizations are exempt from Prohibition #1 above, provided such fires are within a fire structure and they are within their permitted area. ### USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

3. Persons engaged in legal hunting activity are allowed to discharge a firearm while taking wildlife

4. Persons using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.

5. Persons using a stove fire in a designated area.

6. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty.

Violators of the above restrictions are subject to fines and/or imprisonment.
Order Number: 03-01-22-07

Learn more by watching our education video and by visiting the Fire Restrictions and Alerts & Notices pages on our website.

Stay up to date on news from the A bar S at our website https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf, on Twitter @A_SNFs and on facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.

Crews increased containment overnight and continue to concentrate efforts on the northwestern edge of the fire to ensure it stays within its footprint and containment lines hold during wind events. On Tuesday, a flight over the fire’s perimeter showed minimal smokes within the interior with no threat to containment lines. Over the course of the next few days, crews will continue patrolling line, mopping up, and backhauling equipment out of the Lookout Mountain area to prepare for residents’ reentry. 

Per the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, as of 9:00 a.m. today, all GO statuses will be lifted, but Lookout Mountain will be placed in a SET status. As a reminder, residents within the Crooks Fire-area need to utilize caution while driving on the roads as firefighters continue to work in and around the fire area. The Prescott National Forest has issued a new closure order which reduces the size and continues to provide for public and firefighter safety. Hazards still exist in and around the fire area and residents living nearby should utilize care as fire-weakened trees, ash pits, and burned stump holes remain.

As containment increases and fire activity slows significantly, fire resources are being released to rest and prepare for the next incident. On Thursday, May 5, the California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 (CIIMT4) will transition the fire to the local, Central West Zone Type 3 Team. “The Prescott National Forest and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management want to thank CIIMT 4 for their hard work and expertise which provided for safe and timely fire suppression efforts and ultimately the protection of the Yavapai County communities and our National Forest lands.” Sarah Clawson, Bradshaw District Ranger.

WEATHER: Expect a round of very dry and sunny conditions. Afternoon humidity will dip below 15%. Twenty-foot winds will generally be light, but ridgetop wind gusts above 20 mph will be possible in the afternoon. Poor humidity recoveries and a wind switch to the north after 8:00 p.m. is forecast for tonight.

SMOKE INFORMATION: Residents can monitor current conditions for the Crooks Fire, via Arizona Smoke Forecasting system located at https://azdeq.gov/wildfireforecast?fire=crooksfire

EVACUATIONS: Residents should continue to monitor the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page for current information. https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/

FOREST CLOSURE:  The Prescott National Forest has reduced the Crooks Fire Area Emergency Closure.  Several recreation sites and trails remain closed.  To view the closure and map visit: Prescott National Forest Fire Closure Order – https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1018352.pdf

Fire Closure Map -- https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1018351.pdf

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place: Wildfires are a NO Drone Zone. Flying recreational and media drones within a TFR is illegal and impedes fire suppression efforts. Report drones to local law enforcement. If You Fly, We Can’t!

Fire Details:
Location: 11 nautical miles south of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 1), near Mt Union.
Start Date: April 18, 2022
Size: Approximately 9402 acres, 89% Containment                
Cause: Under Investigation
Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Chaparral (6 feet)         
Number of Personnel Assigned: 612

Fire Information: 928-925-1111 
Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) specialists recently completed their field data evaluation to produce the Soil Burn Severity (SBS) map for the approximately 19,075-acre Tunnel Fire.

The map and the data delineate unburned, low, moderate and high SBS categories. The BAER team assessing the Tunnel Fire determined that approximately 4,774 acres (24%) of the fire is unburned, approximately 12,285 acres (67%) have low SBS, approximately 1,421 acres (8%) sustained a moderate SBS and only approximately 11 acres (<1%) were identified as having high soil burn severity.

The SBS map product is an estimate of fire effects to soils, not fire effects to vegetation. SBS characterizes fire effects to the soil surface and below ground. Fire effects to vegetation would include an estimate of vegetation mortality which does not always correlate with degree of soil burn severity.

Moderate and high soil burn severity can alter or damage physical, chemical, and biological soil properties resulting in increased runoff, erosion, and negative effects to soil productivity. These soil properties include but are not limited to hydrophobicity (water repellency), soil organic matter content, soil pore space, soil cover (effective litter), and soil structure (including grade (degree of aggregation) and type (physical form).

Changes to these soil properties determine the degree of soil burn severity. Water repellency often occurs naturally in soils and it changes as a function of fire. It is frequently discussed as a post-fire effect. Fire can increase the strength and thickness—or depth—of water repellent layers in soil, considerably affecting post-fire water runoff and possibly extending time for recovery of the burned area.

The Tunnel BAER assessment team used remote sensing imagery with field-validated soils data to produce the final SBS map. The BAER team will use the SBS map as an analysis tool to estimate post-fire erosion with subsequent sediment delivery, stream flows and debris flow probabilities. The map is also being shared with cooperating agencies.

The Tunnel Fire soil burn severity map can be downloaded at the “Tunnel Fire BAER” InciWeb site (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8088/) as a JPEG or PDF version under the “Maps” tab.

As a reminder, The Coconino National Forest has instituted a Forest Closure Order for the area affected by the Tunnel Fire.

The Antelope Fire grew to approximately 372 acres yesterday as wind spread it across a grassy landscape located 12 miles north of Sunset Crater near milepost 442 on the east side of U.S. Highway 89.

No structures were threatened at any time. Crews have contained the fire and are conducting mop-up operations that include checking for and extinguishing hotspots while patrolling the perimeter. Some smoldering may put up wisps of smoke but will only be noticeable to motorists passing by the area.

The fire was reported at 1:09 p.m. yesterday and its cause is under investigation.

Motorists should take care to do everything they can to keep sources of heat from leaving their vehicle or trailer.

Fires can easily start by motorists who flick their cigarettes outside the vehicle, drag chains attached to trailers, have faulty catalytic converters that spread bits of hot embers, and even from tires that pop and cause rims to strike the pavement.

Due to the hard work of the firefighters and after the red flag warning tested the fire line, evacuations were lifted in all areas except Lookout Mountain on Monday, May 2, 2022. The fire has not grown, and containment increased to 83%. Friendly reminder to all returning residents to please drive carefully, as there is still fire personnel and heavy equipment working in the fire area and on the roads. For the latest on re-population, please refer to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Facebook page. 

Throughout the Crooks Fire, helicopters have dropped over 1.2 million gallons of water fighting the Crooks Fire. Heavy equipment, hoses and supplies are being hauled off the mountain. Firefighters have made great progress, but the fire risk is not gone. Firefighters will be monitoring the Crooks Fire every day until containment reaches 100%. People living in the wildland-urban interface are encouraged to thin vegetation for defensible space around homes. YavapaiFirewise.org is a good resource for help.

WEATHER: A passing, dry low-pressure system will bring a round of windy conditions to the fire today. Southwest wind gusts above 30 mph are possible during the afternoon. Minimum humidity will be near 20%.

SMOKE INFORMATION: Residents can monitor current conditions for the Crooks Fire, via Arizona Smoke Forecasting system located at https://azdeq.gov/wildfireforecast?fire=crooksfire

EVACUATIONS: Some areas remain in both the “READY”, “SET”, and “GO” status. Residents should continue to monitor the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page for additional information. https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/

FOREST CLOSURE: To provide public health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the uncontrolled Crooks Fire the Prescott National Forest has expanded the fire area emergency closure to the south. To view the Crooks Fire area closure order and map visit: Prescott National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place: Wildfires are a NO Drone Zone. Flying recreational and media drones within a TFR is illegal and impedes fire suppression efforts. Report drones to local law enforcement. If You Fly, We Can’t! 

Fire Details

• Location: 11 nautical miles south of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 1), near Mt Union.
• Start Date: April 18, 2022
• Size: Approximately 9402 acres, 83% Containment                           
• Cause: Under Investigation
• Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Chaparral (6 feet)                 
• Number of Personnel Assigned: 798

Coconino National Forest resources are responding to the two-acre Antelope Fire, located eight miles north of Sunset Crater near Highway 89 (GPS coordinates 35°28'54.0"N 111°33'21.0"W).

The wind-driven fire is spreading at a moderate rate through grass-type fuels.

Resources at the scene include one Type 2 hand crew, four engines, one dozer, one water tender and miscellaneous overhead. An air attack resource has been ordered.

The fire was reported at 1:09 p.m. and its cause is under investigation.

No structures are threatened at this time but smoke impact may be noticed along Highway 89 and in the Doney Park area.