Photos are courtesy of the CAFMA Battalion Chief Karl Postula
At approximately 9:25 a.m., the Prescott Regional Communications Center received multiple reports of a wildland fire located east of Costco along Arizona State Route 69. Emergency response crews from the Prescott Fire Department, Prescott Police Department, and Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) were promptly dispatched to the scene.
The first arriving engine reported an active wildfire burning on the north side of the highway, with homes approximately 150 yards away directly threatened. Fire crews from Prescott and CAFMA swiftly deployed hose lines to halt the fire’s forward progression.
Prescott Police officers arrived on scene to assist with traffic control, temporarily closing the two westbound lanes of SR 69 to provide a safe and accessible working area for firefighting personnel.
Fire suppression support was also provided by the U.S. Forest Service—Prescott National Forest, Groom Creek Fire District, and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The Arizona Department of Transportation assisted with traffic operations, and Arizona Public Service responded to inspect and repair utility infrastructure damaged by the fire.
Fortunately, no injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported. Fire crews successfully prevented the fire from reaching nearby structures. Personnel remained on scene for over two hours to ensure complete extinguishment. The fire was estimated to be 0.5 acre in size.
A fire investigator responded, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
In total, the response included:
- 2 Battalion Chiefs and 1 Division Chief
- 6 Fire Engines
- 3 Type 3 Wildland Engines
- 1 Water Tender
- 1 Wildland Hand Crew
- 1 Safety Officer
- 1 Investigator
We would like to recognize the outstanding efforts of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM). The fire occurred in an area that had recently undergone a vegetation reduction project by the DFFM fuel mitigation team. Their proactive work played a critical role in the successful outcome of this incident. The reduced fuel load significantly altered the fire’s behavior, providing firefighters with valuable time to arrive on scene and effectively implement suppression tactics
We remind all residents that fire danger remains high across our region. Please take extra precautions, especially when towing trailers—ensure all chains are properly secured and not dragging, as dragging chains can cause sparks and ignite roadside vegetation.
