US Highway 89 closed near Tunnel Fire east of Flagstaff

Related Incident: Tunnel Fire

Publication Type: Closures Tue, 04/19/2022 - 12:00

A message from ADOT on Hwy 89: U.S. 89 is closed in both directions north of Flagstaff, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The closure is due to a wildfire burning in the area. Northbound lanes are closed at milepost 425. Southbound lanes are closed at milepost 435. There is no estimated reopening time. Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT.

High Country Humane impacted by Tunnel Fire

Related Incident: Tunnel Fire

Publication Type: Announcement Tue, 04/19/2022 - 12:00

Announcement from High Country Humane: They are being impacted by the Tunnel Fire, so please DO NOT take your pets to that shelter any longer.

Tunnel Fire located north of Flagstaff along Highway 89 at 100plus acres

Related Incident: Tunnel Fire

Publication Type: News Tue, 04/19/2022 - 12:00

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., April 19, 2022 — The Tunnel Fire, located 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff along U.S. Highway 89 is at 100-plus acres and 0 percent containment. Fire is rapidly spreading in a northeast direction due to high winds with medium-to-high-range spotting occurring in timber and grass. Area evacuations have been ordered, and up-to-date evacuation information can be found via Coconino County. While closure orders have not yet been issued, the public is asked to avoid the northern portion of U.S.Highway 89 from Elden Springs Road to the forest boundary for safety. Resources on scene include three Type 1 handcrews, two dozers, two water tankers and seven engines. This includes approximately 80 personnel. The fire was reported at 4:22 p.m. Sunday and its cause is under investigation.

5252022 Final Crooks Fire Update Closure Lifted

Related Incident: Crooks Fire

Publication Type: News Wed, 05/25/2022 - 12:00

Crooks Fire Closure Lifted, Recreation Sites Open

PRESCOTT, AZ - May 25, 2022 – Firefighters have completed the majority of the initial phase of suppression repair work associated with the Crooks Fire. The current fire closure in the Spruce Mountain area has been lifted opening Groom Creek Trail Head 307, Groom Creek Loop Trail #307, Isabella Trail #377, Spruce Mountain Lookout and Picnic Site and Groom Creek Horse Camp. Patrolling and securing the perimeter of the fire will continue. 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. 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 Crooks Fire is at 96% containment. Objectives have not changed, and resources are still in place to meet those objectives. These objectives include, providing for the safety of the public and fire resources, keeping the fire within its current footprint, ensuring total suppression of the fire and completing suppression repair work. Fire containment likely will not change until measurable precipitation is received over the fire area.

As stated above the majority of the initial phase of suppression repair work has been completed. A second phase of suppression repair work will resume late summer early fall when weather conditions are more favorable and fire risk is reduced. This repair work will be taking place on Spruce Mountain ridge south of the Spruce Mountain Lookout Tower. A small closure area may go back into effect during the completion of this repair work to ensure firefighter and public safety.

REMINDER: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will go into effect on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at 8:00 A.M.

Prohibited: Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. 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. Welding, or operating any acetylene or other torch with an open flame. Operating a chain saw or other equipment operated by an internal combustion engine between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Discharging a firearm, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations.

5252022 Crooks Fire BAER Assessment Completed

Related Incident: Crooks Fire

Publication Type: News Wed, 05/25/2022 - 12:00

Crooks Fire BAER Assessment Completed

PRESCOTT, AZ – May 25, 2022 - The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team has completed the post-fire assessment on the Crooks Fire which is now 96% contained and have concluded the area affected by the fire does pose post fire risks to public safety. High and moderate burn severity areas pose the greatest risk and are potential sources of unstable soils and rock, falling trees and increased flooding. Public hazards have been identified within the fire footprint and downstream of the fire scar. Post-fire hazards are of particular concern during summer monsoon events.

BAER teams focus on emergency actions necessary to protect human life and safety, property, and natural and cultural resources, including affected watersheds. BAER assessments identify unacceptable risks on federal lands from post-fire threats and help land managers prepare burned areas for potential threats from rainstorms. Burned areas often experience increased soil erosion and runoff from rainstorms.

To mitigate post-fire risks, the following treatments have been identified:

Warning signage on strategic roads and trails will be installed warning the public of post-fire risks.
Culvert storm proofing on Senator Highway.
Surveying for detection of Dalmatian Toadflax in selected areas; a federally and State listed noxious weed.

5182022 Reduced Crooks Fire Public Safety Closure Order 0309032207

Related Incident: Crooks Fire

Publication Type: Closures Wed, 05/18/2022 - 12:00

Order #03-09-03-22-07

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

U.S. FOREST SERVICE PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST

BRADSHAW RANGER DISTRICT

CROOKS FIRE PUBLIC SAFETY CLOSURE – REDUCTION (3rd)

PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited within the area described in this Order (the “Restricted Area”) and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, within the Bradshaw Ranger District, Prescott National Forest, Yavapai County, Arizona.

1. Going into or being upon the Restricted Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.

2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

3. Residents, owners and lessees of private property within the Restricted Area are allowed ingress and egress only to and from their properties.

RESTRICTED AREA

The Restricted Area consists of all National Forest System lands, waters, roads, and trails within the boundary starting at the intersection of National Forest System Road (FR) 52A and County Road (CR) 56, also referred to as Senator Highway, then following east along FR 52A for approximately 4 miles to the intersection with FR 9404R, then following southeast along FR 9404R for approximately 1 mile to the intersection with FR 9404H, then following southwest along FR 9404H for approximately 1 mile to the non-Forest Service ownership boundary, then following southwest along the non-Forest Service ownership boundary for approximately 4 miles to the junction with CR 56, then following north along CR 56 for approximately 3 miles to the intersection with National Forest System Trail (FT) 307, then following east along FT 307 for approximately 2 miles to the non-Forest Service ownership boundary, then following north along the non-Forest Service ownership boundary for approximately 0.5 miles to the junction with FR 9406K, then following northwest along FR 9406K for approximately 0.5 miles to the intersection with FR 76, then following north and west along FR 76 approximately 0.5 miles to the non-Forest Service ownership boundary, then following north and west, then north again along the non-Forest Service ownership boundary for approximately 1 mile to the intersection with CR 56, then following north along CR 56 approximately 0.5 miles back to the point of beginning at the intersection of CR 56 “Senator Highway” and FR 52A.

PURPOSE

To provide for public and fire fighter health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the Crooks Fire.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order will be effective on May 18, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. and shall remain in effect until 6:00 p.m. on June 18th, 2022, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

2. A map identifying the Restricted Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of the Order map for the Prescott National Forest, navigate to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/prescott/alerts-notices.

3. Any violation of the prohibitions in this Order is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581(b)(7)).

4. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Bradshaw Ranger District Office located in Prescott, Arizona, telephone number 928 443-8000, and at the Prescott National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Chino Valley, telephone number 928 777-2200.

5. This Order supersedes Order 03-09-03-22-06, dated May 7, 2022.

Done at Chino Valley, AZ, this 17th day of May 2022.

5162022 Crooks Fire Update

Related Incident: Crooks Fire

Publication Type: News Mon, 05/16/2022 - 12:00

Crooks Fire May 16, 2022
Last Crooks Fire Update Unless Significant Changes in Fire Activity Occur

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: 104

On Tuesday, May 17, the Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team will transfer command of the Crooks Fire back to the forest. Fire objectives will 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. Due to minimal fire activity, this will be the last Crooks Fire update, unless significant changes occur.

Last week the Incident Base Camp was moved to Groom Creek Horse Camp, allowing the City of Prescott to re-open Watson Lake Recreation Area to the community on Friday, May 13, 2022. “The Prescott National Forest and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management want to thank the City of Prescott for their generosity and use of Watson Lake during the Crooks Fire,” Sarah Clawson, Bradshaw District Ranger and Russ Shumate, AZ Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

Firefighters are nearing completion of the suppression repair work, hazardous tree removal, and road mending. Patrolling and securing the perimeter of the fire will continue for the next several weeks as interior fuels continue to burn and smolder. 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. 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.

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: High pressure will persist across the region allowing light terrain-driven winds and daytime relative humidity values below 10% to continue. Temperatures will be 10-15 degrees above normal through the week.

FOREST CLOSURE: The Prescott National Forest has reduced the fire area emergency closure allowing for Upper Goldwater Lake 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

Crooks Fire Information: Phone: (928) 925-1111

592022 Crooks Fire Update

Related Incident: Crooks Fire

Publication Type: News Mon, 05/09/2022 - 12:00

Crooks Fire
May 9, 2022

Next Crooks Fire Update will be on Monday, May 16, 2022

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.

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.

582022 Reduced Crooks Fire Public Safety Closure Order 0309032206

Related Incident: Crooks Fire

Publication Type: Closures Sun, 05/08/2022 - 12:00

CROOKS FIRE PUBLIC SAFETY CLOSURE - REDUCTION
Order Number: 03-09-03-22-06

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited within the area described in this Order (the “Restricted Area”) and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, within the Bradshaw Ranger District, Prescott National Forest, Yavapai County, State of Arizona.

1. Going into or being upon the Restricted Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).

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

1. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.

2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

3. Residents, owners, and lessees of private property within the Restricted Area are allowed ingress and egress only to and from their properties.

RESTRICTED AREA The Restricted Area consists of all National Forest System lands, water, roads, and trails within the boundary starting at the intersection of National Forest System Road (FR) 97B and County Road (CR) 101, then following east along CR 101 for approximately 4 miles to the intersection with FR 9273U, then following north along FR 9273U approximately 1 mile to the intersection with FR 707, then following northeast on FR 707 approximately 2 miles to the intersection with CR 56, then following north along CR 56 for approximately 1 mile to intersection with FR 52A, then following east then south along FR 52A approximately 9 miles to the intersection with CR 57, then following northeast along CR 57 approximately 1 mile to intersection with FR 670, then following south along FR 670 approximately 9 miles to the intersection with FR 706, then following south along FR 706 approximately 3 miles to the intersection with FR 83, then following southwest along FR 83 approximately 2 miles to intersection with FR 52, then following west approximately 1 mile on FR 52 to the intersection with FR 82, then following south approximately 5 miles to the intersection with FR 82A, then following southwest on 82A for approximately 14 miles to the intersection with FR 94, then following FR 94 northwest for approximately 3 miles to intersection with FR 94C, then following 94C northeast then northwest for approximately 8 miles to the intersection with FR 667, then following FR 667 north for approximately 3 miles to intersection with FR 9405Y, then following FR 9405Y north for approximately 2 miles to the intersection with FR 97B, then following FR 97B north for approximately 6 miles back to the point of beginning at the intersection of FR 97B and CR 101.

PURPOSE

To provide for public and fire fighter health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the Crooks Fire.

IMPLEMENTATION
1. This Order will be effective on May 07 , 2022, at 8:00 a.m. and shall remain in effect until 6:00 p.m. on June 15, 2022, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

4. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Bradshaw Ranger District Office located in Prescott, Arizona, telephone number 928-443-8000, and at the Prescott National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Chino Valley, telephone number 928- 777-2200.

5. This Order supersedes Order 03-09-03-22-05, dated May 3, 2022.

Done at Prescott, AZ, this 7th day of May 2022.

582022 Crooks Fire Update

Related Incident: Crooks Fire

Publication Type: News Sun, 05/08/2022 - 12:00

Crooks Fire, May 8, 2022
Reduced Forest Closure Opens Upper Goldwater Lake and Portions of the Circle Trail

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

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.

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