At approximately 3:30 PM on Thursday, July 27, 2023, resources from Prescott National Forest responded a smoke report on the Verde Ranger District. It was determined that the fire was in the Cedar Bench Wilderness near Red Basin Spring. Due to location Helicopter 4HH did a recon flight, estimated the fire to ½ acre with low to minimal fire behavior burning short grass and brush. 
The Cedar fire is visible from the Fossil Creek Road (FSR 705) and HWY 260. There are no values at risk or threatened. Precipitation is expected over the fire are on Saturday and will be monitored daily by air.
