Red flag warning in effect for Crooks Fire as containment at 96%
The Crooks Fire burning near Mount Union, about 11 miles south of Prescott, remained at 96% containment on Saturday as a red flag warning was in effect.
Since the fire began almost a month ago, 9,402 acres have been charred. The cause remains under investigation.
A red flag warning was issued for most of Arizona through Sunday night due to strong southwest winds and low humidity, according to the Crooks Fire update on InciWeb.
As conditions aligned for extreme fire danger during the next couple of days, firefighters may encounter challenges as they continue to fight the fire, the update said.
Due to the potential for both intense fire activity and fire behavior, fire crews have been staged on the scene to provide support for any new fire starts and to patrol the fire lines for any possible holding concerns, the update said.
A Burned Area Emergency Response Team began their assessment of the Crooks Fire burn area on Saturday. Evaluations of the area will be conducted in an attempt to identify concerns and hazards on National Forest Service lands, including post-fire flooding, watershed conditions, and potential impacts to critical and cultural resources nearby, the update stated.
Stage 1 fire restrictions went into effect on Thursday at the Prescott National Forest. Details about the restrictions can be found on the U.S. Forest Service website.
On Friday, an aircraft flew over the fire and extinguished some of the heat on the northwest side. Because of increased fire behavior and heat on that side, an aircraft will continue to monitor the northwest side and provide bucket work if needed.
Repair work will continue to be done in the Mount Union area. Specifically, in the Potato Patch community and the historic cabin in Palace Station.
Because heavy equipment will continue to be used as part of the rehabilitation work within communities and along the roadways, residents and visitors driving were asked to be cautious, the update said.
The fire was reported on April 18, and the cause was still under investigation, according to InciWeb, a website that tracks wildfire information.
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.
Where is the Crooks Fire burning?
Crooks Fire is burning about 11 miles south of Prescott in the west portion of Prescott National Forest, west of Big Bug Mesa, northwest of Pine Creek, southeast to Mount Tritle, south of Potato Patch and east of Johnson Flat.
The fire reached Mount Union, Mount Davis, Yankee
Doodle Peak and Moscow Peak. It also reached Lookout Mountain toward the west.
The Forest Service closed sites in Groom Creek and Lynx Lake recreation areas, White Spar campground, Prescott Circle Trail and the Prescott Basin were closed on April 21.
As of Saturday morning, 272 personnel were working on the fire.
Fire management transitioned Thursday to a local team, the Central West Zone Type 3 Team.
Evacuations in effect
In the area of Lookout Mountain, these specific regions were allowed to return home on Wednesday: Forest Service Road 261 (a.k.a Poland Road) Tall Pines Rd.
Golden Eagle Rd.
Short Pines Rd.
Senator Highway
Residents returning will need documentation of ownership to return and will need to check in at the roadblock located at Senator Highway and Wiggler Road.
Residents in the areas Mount Tritle, Breezy Pines, South Walker, Potato Patch and Mountain Pine were given permission to return home Monday.
All areas are in “ready” status.
If anyone has questions or needs assistance, they can stop by or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).