Grapevine Fire Update
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: 400 Acres
Cause: Lightning
Resources: 2 Type-1 Crews, 2 Engines, 1 Type 3 Helicopter, additional support personnel.
Fire behavior: Low/Moderate fire behavior.
Types of vegetation in the area (aka fuels): Grass, brush, and timber understory.
Sunday’s afternoon thunderstorms moved over the Grapevine Fire where outflows winds pushed to fire to the west increasing the fire size to 400 acres. Each fire receives a strategic, risk-based management strategy. Due to terrain and limited access; firefighters continue to scout the area for containment features and identify hazards as they begin to safely suppress the fire
Ryan Barela’s Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management has assumed command of the Grapevine Fire as of 0600 hours today, July 24, 2023.
Smoke: Smoke may be visible from multiple locations including Prescott Valley, Dewey, Prescott and along Highway 169.
For current evacuation information contact the Yavapai County Sherriff’s Office at 928-771-3260 or follow them at https://www.facebook.com/
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 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.
Racetrack Fire Update
Firefighters responded to a smoke report at 1:00 pm on Sunday, July 23, 2023, north of Highway 169 near the community of Cherry. Upon arrival the Racetrack Fire was estimated to be 30-40 acres, with moderate fire behavior until late afternoon when monsoonal activity and winds increased fire activity. Aviation and ground resources focused efforts this afternoon into the evening on slowing progression towards the community of Cherry.
The Racetrack fire is now estimated to be 500 acres with 3 Type 1 Hotshot Crews, 1 Type 2 Crew, 5 Engines, 2 Suppression Modules, 1 Dozer and miscellaneous overhead personnel.
Smoke may be visible from multiple locations including Dewey, Mayer, and Prescott Valley.
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.
From Phil Goode, Mayor of Prescott:
Sunday afternoon, the Racetrack Fire was identified. This fire grew rapidly due to monsoon winds, and, as of last night, was up to 500 acres. Residents near the town of Cherry, North of Hwy 169, have been evacuated, and other communities are on the “Set” list. Shelters and the Call Center have been activated for both fires. Animal Disaster Services and Red Cross shelters are at the Camp Verde Gym, anyone with barn animals can take them to the LASER Shelter at Arizona Downs off Hwy 89.
3 Type 1 Hotshot Crews, 1 Type 2 Crews, 5 engines, 2 Suppression Modules and 1 Dozer have already been assigned to the Racetrack fire, with aviation and ground resources focused on slowing progression towards the community of Cherry.
Although the fires are not directly in the immediate Prescott area, they can affect Prescott residents in several ways. First of all, smoke may be visible, especially if you are traveling through Prescott Valley, Dewey Humbolt, Mayer. Secondly, it is possible that firefighting aircraft may utilize the Prescott Airport in the coming days and weeks. Additionally, there may be local road closures and delays to accommodate firefighting efforts. Finally, this could create additional responsibilities for our own firefighters, as we have mutual aid agreements with various agencies.
