Firefighters and the use of drones

Location: 11 nautical miles south of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 1), near Mt Union.

Start Date: April 18, 2022

Size: Approximately 9393 acres, 38% Containment                                            Cause: Under Investigation

Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Chaparral (6 feet)               Number of Personnel Assigned: 889

Despite the winds and dry conditions there has been little fire progression along the perimeter, there are still areas of concern where firefighters are still actively fighting. Currently the priority remains on preventing the fire moving north on the northwest perimeter and protecting structures near Mount Tritle. With the assistance of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) otherwise known as drones, firefighters have made significant progress in locating and extinguishing hot spots in and around the perimeter.

Like firefighters, drones are actively used for day and night operations.  Trained professionals, utilize this essential tool for fighting wildfires. These drones give firefighters a bird’s eye view of the terrain and can assist with determining where the fire moves next, allowing swift decisions can be made about where crews should go. It is illegal for the public deploy or utilize a personal Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in a fire area to get a closer view of the fire. This can interfere with firefighting operations and place both pilots and firefighters lives in danger. During a wildfire incident a Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) around the fire and privately owned drones (UAS) can interfere with wildland fire air traffic, such as air tankers, helicopters, and other firefighting aircraft that are necessary to suppress wildland fires. Even the smallest drone (UAS) can cause a serious or fatal accident if it collides with firefighting aircraft and disrupts firefighting operations.  

Per the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 43 CFR 9212.1(f), it is illegal to resist or interfere with the efforts of firefighter(s) to extinguish a fire. Doing so can result in a significant fine and/or a mandatory court appearance. So, be smart and just don't fly your drone anywhere near a wildfire. No amount of video or photos are worth the consequences.

  Challenging fire but looking good

Location: 11 nautical miles south of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 1), near Mt Union.

Start Date: April 18, 2022

Size: Approximately 9196 acres, 27% Containment

Cause: Under Investigation

Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Chaparral (6 feet)

Number of Personnel Assigned: 855

Since the fire started the challenge of strong winds has hampered firefighting efforts. Fire remains active in the Slate Creek drainage and the lower Crooks Creek drainage. Firefighters were able to control the spot that was an issue just west of Mount Tritle and continue to monitor the area for any activity. Fire in the southwest portion will have fuels transitioning to smaller and lighter brush which can assist with slowing the spread of the fire.

The northwest section of the fire contains a heavy timber fuel model with significant dead and down component contributing to increased fire behavior. Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft will continue operations throughout the day to slow advancement. The fire line boundary to the north is holding as crews continue with mop up operations.  Despite these challenges, firefighters remain optimistic and are doing their best to get the upper hand on this fire. Overall, even though the fire has been challenging things are looking good.

 Community Meeting Tonight

New Forest Closure “Expanded”

Location: 11 nautical miles south of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 1), near Mt Union.

Start Date: April 18, 2022

Size: Approximately 9014 acres, 23% Containment

Cause: Under Investigation

Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Chaparral (6 feet)

Number of Personnel Assigned: 855

On Wednesday strong winds out of the south with low relative humidity, hampered firefighting efforts. Wind gusts of 30 plus mph, drove the fire west of Lookout Mountain toward Dosoris Canyon, pushing smoke into Prescott and surrounding communities. Crews were successful in holding the 52 Spur Road to keep the fire west of the affected communities. Both rotary and fixed wing aircraft were utilized in direct and indirect attacks between Lookout Mountain and Johnson Flat supporting ground operations. Containment rose from 20%  to 23%, and the fire to the north and east remained in their established footprints, and crews remained patrolling those locations and prep for future operations.

Today, dozers and hand crews will work to strengthen the containment lines along Forest Service Road (FSR) 82. Favorable terrain may allow firefighters to access the fires edge west of Lookout Mountain, with the efforts of multiple fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Structure protection remains a key tactical objective and crews continue to perform defensive operations throughout the area.  

Resources Assigned:  5 - Type 1 Hotshot crews, 5 - Type 2 Hand crews, 41- Engines, 14 - Helicopters, Miscellaneous Equipment, and Overhead.

Order Number: 03-09-03-22-04 

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, if consistent with local evacuation orders.

RESTRICTED AREA

The Restricted Area consists of all National Forest System lands, waters, roads, and trails within the boundary starting at the intersection of State Route 89 and the National Forest (NF) boundary, then proceeding in a general northeastern, then eastern, direction along the NF boundary for approximately 10 miles, then following the NF boundary south for approximately 6 miles, then following the NF boundary east for approximately 2 miles, then following the NF boundary south for approximately 6 miles, then following the NF boundary east for approximately 1 mile to the junction with County Road 177, then following County Road 177 southwest for Order Number: 03-09-03-22-04 approximately 10 miles to the junction with National Forest System Road (FR) 52, then following FR 52 south for approximately 9 miles to the intersection with National Forest System Trail (FT) 362, then following FT 362 southwest for approximately 2 miles to the intersection with FT 213, then following FT 213 northwest for approximately 4 miles to the intersection with FR 9246A, then following FR 9246A northeast for approximately 1 mile to the intersection with FR 682B, then following FR682B northwest for approximately 2 miles to the junction with FR 682, then following FR682 west for approximately 1 mile to the NF boundary, then following the NF boundary north for 6 miles, then following the NF boundary west for 4 miles, then following the NF boundary north for approximately 6 miles, back to the point of beginning at the intersection of the NF boundary and State Route 89. Note: State Route 89 remains open.

PURPOSE

To protect public health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the Crooks Fire on the Prescott National Forest.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order will be effective on April 27, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. and shall remain in effect until 6:00 p.m. on May 03, 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 03-09-03-22-02, dated April 20, 2022. Done at Prescott, AZ, this 27th day of April 2022.

  Crooks Fire Daily Update

April 27, 2022

Location: 11 nautical miles south of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 1), near Mt Union.

Start Date:  April 18, 2022

Size:    Approximately 8018 acres, 20% Containment

Cause:    Under Investigation

Vegetation:   Timber (Litter and Understory), Chaparral (6 feet)

Number of Personnel Assigned: 786

On Tuesday, a combination of southerly winds and difficult terrain hampered firefighting efforts. Wind gusts up to 25 mph created wind driven runs moving fire across FSR 81. Upper-level winds also continued to push smoke into surrounding communities. Despite  increasing acreage crews were able to increase containment from 16%  to 20%  and complete line construction from Moscow Peak west to Senator  Highway. In addition, teams performed prep work on the north and east perimeter of the fire.

Tactical objectives for today are to improve upon containment efforts made to the north and east. In addition, ground crews with support of dozers and aircraft, will perform direct and indirect actions south of Lookout Mountain and along FSR 81. Remaining firefighters will continue structure protection and be available for deployment to any area of need. An additional Helitack base has been established which will provide for faster turnaround times and increased support of ground crews on the south end of the fire.

Resources Assigned:  7 - Type 1 Hotshot crews, 5 - Type 2 Hand crews, 41- Engines, 13 - Helicopters, Miscellaneous Equipment, and Overhead.

A community meeting will be held Thursday, April 28th, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at Embry Riddle University in the Hanger, 3700 Willow Creek Dr., Prescott, Arizona. 

The meeting will be live-streamed to the Prescott National Forest Facebook.  If you are unable to attend, the recording will be available to view afterward, visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzbIoBB-yAclQO_Hz0hBMQQ or https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF.
 
 
 

YCSO SENDS CodeRed SET ALERTS
 

A CodeRed SET alert as been sent for Ponderosa Park, Pine Flat and West Poland Rd.

The messages said:
 

THIS IS A SET MESSAGE FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. THE CROOKS FIRE IS THREATENING YOUR AREA. THERE ARE NO MANDATORY EVACUATIONS AT THIS TIME, BUT RESIDENTS NEED TO BE READY TO LEAVE IN THE EVENT A MANDATORY EVACUATION IS ISSUED. PREPARE NECESSARY ITEMS AND STAY INFORMED THROUGH UPDATES FROM YOUR LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT, LOCAL NEWS AND PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIALS.
 

YCSO will continue to update you on the progress of any evacuation status or notice.

 Crooks Fire Daily Update

April 26, 2022

Location: 11 nautical miles south of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 1), near Mt Union.

Start Date:  April 18, 2022

Size:    Approximately 6454 acres, 16% Containment

Cause:    Under Investigation

Vegetation:   Timber (Litter and Understory), Grass-Shrub

Number of Personnel Assigned: 746

Yesterday during the afternoon, terrain driven winds pushed the fire further south and west, resulting in increased fire growth and acreage. Upper-level winds caused the smoke influence in the Prescott area. Due to increased fire activity containment fell from 22 %  to 16 %. Crews continued direct line construction south of Lookout Mountain towards Ash Creek and from Moscow Peak west to Senator highway. Firefighters strengthened and improved the northern and eastern flanks of the fire,

Today, crews will attempt to construct direct and indirect control lines to protect Lookout Mountain structures. Multiple aircraft will be overhead assisting ground crews aggressively attacking any fires encroaching the FSR 81. Additionally, crews are building contingency lines to the west of the fire in case conditions cause a change in direction. Operational objectives include:

·       Keeping the fire south of Prescott Basin

·       Holding the fire west of Big Bug Mesa Road and FSR 83

·       Keeping the fire north of FSR 82

·       Containing fire east of FSR 97B

Resources Assigned:  6 - Type 1 Hotshot crews, 5 - Type 2 Hand crews, 40- Engines, 8 - Helicopters, Miscellaneous Equipment, and Overhead.

Update on the smoke in the Prescott area. Due to the wind shift, smoke is being pushed north off the fire into the Prescott community. Reports of ash falling in Prescott and Prescott Valley are also due to Monday's winds. For daily smoke updates view the link below.

https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Prescott&state=AZ&country=USA 
 
 

  Crooks Fire Daily Update

April 25, 2022

Location: 10 miles south of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 12), near Mt Union.

Start Date:  April 18, 2022

Size:    Approximately 3,914 acres, 22% Containment

Cause:     Under Investigation

Vegetation:   Brush, Ponderosa Pine, and Mixed Conifer

Number of Personnel Assigned: 675

Last night, fire remained active in Ash Creek. Northerly winds pushed the fire south resulting in significant growth in this drainage. Fire managers will continue to seek opportunities to engage with ground and air forces.

In other areas of the fire, weather provided good conditions to complete firing operations south of FSR 81 and west of FSR 82 to prevent fire spread to the northwest into Lookout Mountain and Dosoris Canyon. Crews continued to mop up and secure the north and northeast flanks of the fire. Throughout the day and into the night, firefighters extended the line south of Lookout Mountain towards Ash Creek and from Moscow Peak west to Senator Highway.

Today’s priority will be in Ash Creek. Fire crews will be working diligently in the southwest part of the fire to control growth that occurred last night. Further efforts will be to build direct line from Yankee Doodle Peak working west towards Senator Highway. Fire managers are planning contingency lines to the south and west of the fire in the event that weather conditions may push the fire in those directions.

Resources Assigned:  6 - Type 1 Hotshot crews, 5 - Type 2 Hand crews, 38 - Engines, 11 - Helicopters, Miscellaneous Equipment, and Overhead.