Location: Mingus Mountain, Verde Ranger District, approximately 10 miles east of Prescott Valley; 2 miles south of Mingus Spring Ranch
Start Date: July 21, 2023
Size: 20-30 acres
At approximately 4:00 PM on Friday, July 21, 2023, resources from Prescott National Forest responded to a smoke report on the south side of Mingus Mountain, on the Verde Ranger District. Upon arrival the Grapevine Fire was estimated to be 2 acres. Due to the time-of-day and monsoon activity, firefighters monitored the fire into the evening. Firefighters returned on Saturday, and started scouting for containment features and initiated minimal suppression tactics on the fire. The fire is exhibiting low to moderate fire behavior as it moves slowly across the forest floor consuming dead and down fuel. There are no values at risk or threatened infrastructure at this time.
Smoke may be visible from multiple locations including Prescott Valley, Dewey, Prescott and along Highway 169.
RESOURCES ASSIGNED: Prescott and Mormon Lake Hot Shots, 2 Engines, and Miscellaneous Overhead.
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. For the safety of firefighters and the public, the forest will be implementing a fire area closure Sunday.
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.
For fire information please call (928) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.
