May 21, 2012 @ 9:00 am
Size: Approximately 14,184 acres Containment: 15%
Cause: Human caused; originated from a structure fire on private property
Terrain: Steep, rugged, difficult access Resources: 13 Type-1 Crews, 15 Type-2 Crews, 44 Engines, 33 Water Tenders, 5 Dozers, 6 Type 1 Helicopters, 2 Type 2 Helicopters, 2 Type 3 Helicopters, Air Attack Total no. of personnel: 1,127 personnel Injuries to date: 6
There will be an informal community gathering at 6 pm, Monday, May 21 at the Mayer High School, 17300 East Mule Deer Drive, Spring Valley, AZ. A fire update will be provided.
DRIER, WINDIER WEATHER WILL CHALLENGE FIREFIGHTERS TODAY
Forecasted winds and extended periods of very low humidity, along with high temperature and extremely dry fuels indicate active to extreme fire behavior today. The Haines Index is a number used by firefighters to describe the potential for extreme fire behavior. Today’s Haines Index is 6, which is the top of the scale.
Fire activity is minimal on the east side of the fire. Crews will continue chipping brush along the Crown King Road. Firefighters are patrolling containment lines around the community of Crown King, and along Forest Road 92.
Burnout was completed last night around the communications towers. Crews will deepen and strengthen these firelines today.
Brush removal continues along Forest Road 52, in preparation for burnout along the east side of FR 52 to meet the fire’s edge. Contingency line construction will continue today in the Pine Flat/Turkey Creek area, along County Road 177, and along FR 52. This activity includes dozer line construction and brush removal.
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!
Yavapai County issued an air quality update yesterday, advising that smoke from this fire is moving to the northeast toward the Mayer/Dewey area. Your eyes are your best tools to determine if it’s safe to be outside. If it looks smoky, it is probably not a good time for outdoor activities. For more smoke information and air quality forecasts, visit http://www.azfireinfo.com/links.asp#Smoke. The Red Cross Reception Center is staffed if you need to leave your home to get relief from the smoke. It is located at Mayer Elementary School, Mayer, AZ. Red Cross personnel can be reached at 928-237-6751.
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.
All roads leading into the community of Crown King are closed.
Cleator – Crown King Road (County Road 59) is closed at Cleator.
· 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.
The public can obtain fire information via the following:
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