April 20, 2022
Strong winds challenge firefighters on the Crooks Fire
Community Meeting Tonight at 6:30 PM
Location: 10 miles of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 12), near Mt Union. Start Date: April 18, 2022 Size: Approximately 1600 acres Percent Contained: 0% Cause: Under Investigation Vegetation: Brush, Ponderosa Pine, and Mixed Conifer
A livestreamed virtual and in-person community meeting will be held tonight, Wednesday April 20, 2022, at 6:30 pm. The virtual meeting will be held on the Prescott NF Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF. The in-person meeting will be held at Embry Riddle University in the Hanger, 3700 Willow Creek Dr, Prescott, Arizona.
The Central Arizona West Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the Crooks Fire and quickly engaged the fire with full suppression tactics. Red flag conditions in rugged terrain challenged firefighters and grounded aircraft through the day. Fire activity increased as wind moved the fire west of Senator Highway and to the north-northeast towards Potato Patch, Walker and Breezy Pines. Structure assessment activities are progressing in the communities of Potato Patch, Walker and Breezy Pines. Crews continue to look for opportunities to construct indirect line in hopes to keep the fire south of FSR 261 and keep it from progressing to the north.
Due to the increased complexity and values at risk on the Crooks Fire, Southern California Interagency Incident Management T4 will be arriving today and assume command of the fire at 6:00 pm.
Resources Assigned: 2-Type 2 Hand crews, 5-Type 1 Hotshot crews, 14-Engines, 5 – Helicopters, and Miscellaneous Overhead.
WEATHER: Breezy southwest winds at 10-15 MPH with afternoon humidity in the teens will bring near critical fire weather conditions.
EVACUATIONS: Information about current evacuation status can be found on the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page at: 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 implemented a forest closure. To view the closure order and map visit: Prescott National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)
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