Single Publication

Racetrack Fire Update - July 26, 2023

Location: North of Highway 169, south of Crater Mountain near the community of Cherry 

Start Date:  July 23, 2023

Size: 405 acres

Cause: Lightning

Containment: 20%

Resources: 1 Type-1 Crew, 7 Type-2 Crews, 4 Engines, 1 Dozer and additional support personnel.

Fire behavior: Moderate fire behavior

Types of vegetation in the area (aka fuels): Grass, Brush

SUMMARY: Fire activity declined Monday over the Racetrack Fire increasing containment to 20%. Although area thunderstorms to date have not supplied significant rain on the fire, they have been a daily event in the surrounding area and have increased humidity levels. The effect has been diminished fire activity as lighter fuels absorb moisture associated with higher humidity and quickly becoming less flammable and unavailable to ignite larger fuels.  Unburned heavy fuels in the interior of the Racetrack Fire continue to burn; some smoke may be visible as these fuels burn.  Resources will continue working on reinforcing the control line on the northern perimeter.

Fire managers are crediting the slowing of forward progression into the community of Cherry to previous prescribed fire prepping where firefighters put in control lines strategically located south of Cherry.  This gave firefighters the upper hand in stopping the fire from moving into the community.

Possible afternoon showers are predicted for today, along with associated strong gusty winds and lightning.    

Evacuations – Please follow Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for current evacuation information at: https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff or call their non-emergency number at 928-771-3260.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The entire Prescott National Forest is under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions which prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal and briquettes, outside a structure that is provided by the Forest Service within designated areas for portions of the forest. Under these restrictions, discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun, except for persons engaged in legal hunting activities, is prohibited on the Prescott National Forest. Fireworks and the use of exploding targets are always prohibited year-round on national forests.

For fire information please call (928) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.