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Hackberry Fire 50 Percent Contained
The Hackberry fire is 50% contained with a secure perimeter. Firefighters will continue to mop-up and extinguish any areas of heat along the fires edge. With anticipated widespread rain predicted on Friday and Saturday; full containment is expected by Sunday.
Several resources have been released from the fire as containment increases. Resources remaining include 3 – Crews, 1 – Engine, and 1 -Type 3 Helicopter.
Recreationists should continue to avoid camping, biking, and hiking near the fires and utilize caution while driving the roads as firefighters will be traveling to and from the fire through the weekend. The public is reminded to always be cautious when recreating on public lands, regardless of the time of year. Leaving your campfire unattended is illegal all year round. Campfires must be dead out – cold to the touch – before you walk away; fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest Land.
For fire information please call Prescott National Forest Fire Information at (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.
Hackberry Fire 25 Percent Contained
Firefighters were able to strengthen control lines along the fires edge yesterday and will begin mopping up the perimeter today. Mop-up will continue over the next several days as crews work in rugged steep terrain with limited access. After mapping the fires perimeter, the Hackberry Fire is 55 acres with 25% containment.
Cooler temperatures and predicted rain will assist firefighter in reaching full containment of the fire and helping to cool interior pockets of heat. Full containment of the Hackberry Fire is expected by Friday. The cause remains under investigation.
Resources assigned to the Hackberry Fire include 5 Crews, 4 Engines, 1 Water Tender, 1 Type 3 Helicopter.
Recreationists should continue to avoid camping, biking, and hiking near the fires and utilize caution while driving the roads as firefighters will be traveling to and from the fire through the weekend.
For fire information please call Prescott National Forest Fire Information at (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.
Hackberry Fire 52 Acres; McElhaney Fire 11 Acres
Firefighters were successful yesterday and overnight in limiting further fire spread of the Hackberry Fire. The fire is currently 52 acres with 0% containment. The arrival of cooler weather and an increasing chance of precipitation will allow firefighters to gain the upper hand on the Hackberry fire today. No further growth is anticipated and firefighters will improve control lines and work with aviation to cool hotspots. A large increase in containment should occur by end of shift today with full containment by the end of the week. The Hackberry Fire is located 7 miles west of Prescott near West Spruce Mountain.
Resources assigned to the Hackberry Fire include 5 Crews, 4 Engines, 1 Water Tender, 1 Type 3 Helicopter.
The McElhaney Fire located in Camp Wood is 11 acres and 100% contained.
Prescott National Forest would like to thank the public for their support and for remaining out of the immediate fire area during fire line operations. We would also like to thank the many cooperators and partners who came out to assist with suppression efforts.
Recreationists should continue to avoid camping, biking, and hiking near the fires and utilize caution while driving the roads as firefighters will be traveling to and from the fire through the weekend.
For fire information please call Prescott National Forest Fire Information at (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.
Hackberry Fire details:
- Size: 52 acres
- Start Date: December 18, 2023
- Containment: 0%
- Total resources: 5 Crews, 4 Engines, 1 Water Tender, 1 Type 3 HelicopterLocation: Seven miles west of Prescott near West Spruce Mountain
McElhaney Fire details:
- Size: 11 acres
- Start Date: December 17, 2023
- Containment: 100%
Information Links and Contacts:
- For fire information please call Prescott National Forest Fire Information at (928) 925-1111
- Stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.
This photo was taken the evening of December 18, off Forest Service Road 47B
A photo of the Hackberry Fire December 19 2023.pngFirefighters Respond to Wildfires on the Prescott NF
Early this morning (Monday, December 18, 2023) resources from Prescott National Forest responded to the Hackberry Fire near West Spruce Mountain, 7 miles west of Prescott. The Hackberry Fire was located off Skyline Road and Forest Road 47B. Estimated to be 30 acres, the fire is active and can be seen from Prescott, Skull Valley, and Wilhoit. The Hackberry fires is burning in grass, brush, and timber. Prescott National Forest firefighters will be working to manage and contain the Hackberry fire utilizing roads, trails, and natural features. Additional resources from cooperating agencies have been ordered. There are no values of risk or threatened.
On Sunday, December 17, 2023, firefighters responded to a wildfire in Camp Wood north and west of Prescott. The Melhaney Fire is approximately 8 acres burning near the junction of Forest Road 9 and Forest Road 14. Resources will be on scene today mopping up and securing the line along the fires edge. There are no values of risk or threatened.
Recreationists should avoid camping, biking, and hiking near the fires and utilize caution while driving the roads as firefighters will be traveling to and from the fire.
For fire information please call Prescott National Forest Fire Information at (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.
A map of the Hackberry Fire December 18 2023.png A photo of the Hackberry Fire December 18 2023.png
Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Wednesday, December 13 and Thursday, December 14
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Wednesday, December 13 and Thursday, December 14 due to elevated levels of PM2.5 (smoke).
Take Action
- Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
- Convert your wood burning fireplace to natural gas or propane. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to upgrade your fireplace to natural gas by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
- Use electric lawn and garden equipment. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $200 to replace gasoline powered lawn equipment by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Reduce your wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-up, and banks.
- Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
- Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
- Properly seal household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
No Burn Day 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.
- Off-road vehicles are prohibited from being used.
Regulated Businesses
Businesses conducting dust-generating operations must be vigilant of their dust control measures. Workers may need to cease operating, after stabilizing disturbed areas, if water application and other dust control measures prove ineffective.
PM10 is coarse particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter that are generally emitted from sources such as vehicles traveling on unpaved roads, materials handling, and crushing and grinding operations, as well as windblown.
PM2.5 is fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that result from fuel combustion from motor vehicles, power generation, and industrial facilities, as well as from residential fireplaces and wood stoves.
Deadline Approaching in the Navajo Nation for SBA Working Capital Loans Due to Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
Associate Administrator Francisco Sánchez of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience today reminded private nonprofit organizations in the Navajo Nation of the Jan. 11, 2024, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury caused by severe winter storms and flooding that occurred Jan. 14 - 17, 2023. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.
According to Sánchez, eligible private nonprofits of any size may apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. “Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the private nonprofit suffered any property damage,” Sánchez said.
The interest rate is 2.375 percent with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659‑2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.