Firefighters Provide Suppression to Protect Communities
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 998 acres
Percent Contained: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Vegetation: Brush, Timber and Short Grass
Resources: 1 Type 1 Crew, 5 Type 2 Crews, 12 Engines, 1 Dozer, 2 Helicopters and additional support personnel
Number of Personnel Assigned: 236
Update: Today firefighters will continue to monitor the fire along the western perimeter control lines. Crews continue hand pre that includes removing of vegetation and exposing bare ground along Forest Road 132 and the perimeter of the 4H Camp. Construction of containment features utilizing ground resources and heavy equipment; scout the eastern side of the fire for potential control lines with highest probability of success to contain the fire. Utilize gained knowledge of fire conditions, weather over the fire area and current fire behavior to ensure safety of firefighters. Due to terrain and limited access; firefighters continue to identify hazards as they begin to safely suppress the fire.
Possible afternoon showers are predicted for today, along with associated strong gusty winds and lightning.
Smoke: Smoke may be visible from multiple locations including Prescott Valley, Dewey, Prescott and along Highway 169.
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, an evacuation of the Whitehorse community was conducted by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office due to the threat of fire burning towards the area.
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.
