Crooks Fire: Containment grows to 83% near Prescott

Fire crews working on the Crooks Fire near Mount Union south of Prescott increased containment to 83% as the blaze remained at 9,402 acres Tuesday.

“Firefighters have made great progress, but the fire risk is not gone,” Prescott National Forest officials said in a news release Tuesday. “Firefighters will be monitoring the Crooks Fire every day until containment reaches 100%.”

A red flag warning was in effect Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. for areas in northeast Arizona including Winslow, Tuba City and Holbrook, according to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff. Winds were expected to bring critical fire weather to the area in the afternoon.

The weather Sunday tested the containment lines, but they held during 44 mph wind gusts, and the fire area did not expand, according to a statement released by the Prescott National Forest on Monday.

Reparation of road damage is underway for the re-population of evacuated neighborhoods, according to the statement. Evacuations were lifted in all areas except Lookout Mountain on Monday.

Firefighters have started removing equipment, which includes portable water tanks, pumps and hoses, off the fireline.

The fire was reported on April 18, and the cause was still under investigation, according to InciWeb, a website that tracks wildfire information.

Containment defines the amount of the fire’s perimeter surrounded by a control line that the fire will not cross.

Only two structures were reported damaged, but additional information will be released when property locations have been verified and owners have been notified, forest officials said.

Prescott National Forest announced last week that the restricted area would expand to the south and southeast of Prescott. Restrictions for these areas were in place until Tuesday.

A map of the updated restricted area can be found on the Prescott National Forest’s website.

The U.S. Forest Service announced Friday that the Prescott National Forest will be entering Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday. Details about the restrictions can be found on the U.S. Forest Service website.

As of Tuesday morning, 798 personnel were working on the fire.