Gladiator Fire

Gladiator Fire

May 22, 2012 @ 9:00 am

Size:  Approximately 14,963 acres                 Containment:  19%

Cause:  Human caused; originated from a structure fire on private property  

Terrain:  Steep, rugged, difficult access  

Resources:  13 Type-1 Crews, 16 Type-2 Crews, 43 Engines, 37 Water Tenders, 5 Dozers,           6 Type 1 Helicopters, 2 Type 2 Helicopters, 2 Type 3 Helicopters, Air Attack

Total no. of personnel:  1,160 personnel        Injuries to date:  6

 

There will be an informal community gathering at 6 pm, Tuesday, May 22 at the Mayer High School, 17300 East Mule Deer Drive, Spring Valley, AZ.  A fire update will be provided.

 

FIREFIGHTERS EXERCISE PATIENCE WHILE

MAKING INCREMENTAL PROGRESS

 

Red flag warnings for stronger winds and very low humidity, along with high temperature and extremely dry fuels continue.  Firefighters are watching the weather closely, while steadily and methodically slowing the fire’s progress.

The area of greatest concern remains the west flank of the fire.  Crews continue to hold and patrol Forest Road 92, and are closely monitoring the fire’s movement downhill to the west toward Forest Road 52 (Senator Highway).  Southwest winds today will help slow the fire’s backing movement, as firefighters patrol and burnout as necessary to keep the fire within bounds.

In the area around Battle Flats, direct attack on the fire’s edge will continue today. Masticators will be working north toward Palace Station today, removing brush.

Contingency plans are in place for the area south of Walker and Groom Creek, to assure safety of these communities if the fire moves northward.  Line preparation continues on County Road 177.

Fire activity is minimal on the east side of the fire.  Crews continue patrol and chipping along the Crown King Road

Heavy smoke will continue to be produced by the fire, but an unstable atmosphere is likely to allow smoke to ascend and dissipate, reducing any deterioration of air quality. For more smoke information and air quality forecasts, visit http://www.azfireinfo.com/links.asp#Smoke. 

An evacuation order remains in effect for the community of Crown King, and the Battle Flat, Pine Flat, and Turkey Creek areas. For questions about Evacuations and Roadblocks contact the Yavapai County Sherriff’s Office at 928-713-2709. Be aware that rumors of evacuations are abundant, and ONLY evacuation orders issued by the Sheriff’s Office are valid!

An expanded Closure Order is in effect, as of May 20, 2012 at 6 p.m., for all Prescott National Forest, Bradshaw Ranger District land south of the following:

 

Beginning at the southwest corner, Township 12 North, Range 3 West, Section 33; south of River Pasture, along Forest Road 72 west to FS Road 667, following Middlewater Creek to the south of Maverick Mountain, east to Forest Road 9403C and onto Forest Road 52B connecting to the Senator Highway (County Road 56).  Senator Highway east continuing to FS Road 261 east of Mount Union Lookout towards County Road 58 through  Breezy Pines, extending to Poland Junction.

 

·         Senator Highway to Crown King (County Road 52) is closed at the junction with Poland Rd. (County Road 58).  . 

·         Mayer-Bolada Road (County Road 177) is closed at the Forest Boundary.

·         Forest Road 711 is closed south of the Forest boundary at Cow Creek

·         Forest Road 362 is closed south of the Forest boundary at Wagner.

·         Forest Road 192 is closed

A Yavapai County fire ban is in effect across all fire ban zones.  Prescott National Forest Campfire and Smoking Restrictions are also in effect.  For AZ Fire Info & Restrictions Information call 1-877-864-6985 or visit http://wildlandfire.az.gov.