Fire Crews Continue to Protect Properties as Residents Return
Location: Mingus Mountain, Verde Ranger District (T14N, R2E, SEC 4), Approximately 10 miles east of Prescott Valley; 2 miles south of Mingus Spring Ranch
Start Date: July 21, 2023
Size: Approximately 1049 acres
Percent Contained: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Vegetation: Brush, Timber and Short Grass
Resources: 3 Type 1 Crews, 5 Type 2 Crews, 16 Engines, 2 Dozers, 4 Helicopters and additional support personnel
Number of Personnel Assigned: 359
Update: Fire crews will be continuing the process of monitoring the western side of the fire while holding and improving existing control lines with fire equipment, including dozers and helicopters, to protect the repopulated communities. Construction of barrier lines between the fire and properties will be constructed utilizing ground crew resources and heavy equipment. Crews will be conducting assessments on the eastern side of the fire for potential control line construction. Due to terrain and limited access; firefighters continue to identify hazards as they begin to safely suppress the fire.
Even without visible smoke there exists a potential of fire activity due to the heavy unburned fuels inside the interior of the Grapevine Fire. Flames could be pushed outside of the interior by drying conditions and monsoon winds.
Smoke: Smoke may be visible from multiple locations including Prescott Valley, Dewey, Prescott and along Highway 169.
Closures: Prescott National Forest Roads along the route beginning at the junction of FR104 and FR143 and extending ¼ mile on either side of FR413 to junction of FR132 then along FR132 to the junction of County Rd 75, Cherry Creek Road.
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.
Yesterday, a repopulation of the Whitehorse community was conducted by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office due to the reduced threat of fire burning towards the area. Residents will remain in SET Status.
For current evacuation information contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office at 928-771-3260 or follow them at https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff.
Recreationists on Mingus Mountain should avoid camping and hiking near the fire and utilize caution while driving the roads as firefighters will be traveling to and from the fire.
