May 5, 2022
Reduced Crooks Fire Area Emergency Closure, Some Recreation Sites Reopen
Location: 11 nautical miles south of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 1), near Mt Union.
Start Date: April 18, 2022
Size: Approximately 9402 acres, 89% Containment
Cause: Under Investigation
Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Chaparral (6 feet)
Number of Personnel Assigned: 612
Crews increased containment overnight and continue to concentrate efforts on the northwestern edge of the fire to ensure it stays within its footprint and containment lines hold during wind events. On Tuesday, a flight over the fire’s perimeter showed minimal smokes within the interior with no threat to containment lines. Over the course of the next few days, crews will continue patrolling line, mopping up, and backhauling equipment out of the Lookout Mountain area to prepare for residents’ reentry.
Per the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, as of 9:00 a.m. today, all GO statuses will be lifted, but Lookout Mountain will be placed in a SET status. As a reminder, residents within the Crooks Fire-area need to utilize caution while driving on the roads as firefighters continue to work in and around the fire area. The Prescott National Forest has issued a new closure order which reduces the size and continues to provide for public and firefighter safety. Hazards still exist in and around the fire area and residents living nearby should utilize care as fire-weakened trees, ash pits, and burned stump holes remain.
As containment increases and fire activity slows significantly, fire resources are being released to rest and prepare for the next incident. On Thursday, May 5, the California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 (CIIMT4) will transition the fire to the local, Central West Zone Type 3 Team. “The Prescott National Forest and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management want to thank CIIMT 4 for their hard work and expertise which provided for safe and timely fire suppression efforts and ultimately the protection of the Yavapai County communities and our National Forest lands.” Sarah Clawson, Bradshaw District Ranger.
WEATHER: Expect a round of very dry and sunny conditions. Afternoon humidity will dip below 15%. Twenty-foot winds will generally be light, but ridgetop wind gusts above 20 mph will be possible in the afternoon. Poor humidity recoveries and a wind switch to the north after 8:00 p.m. is forecast for tonight.
SMOKE INFORMATION: Residents can monitor current conditions for the Crooks Fire, via Arizona Smoke Forecasting system located at https://azdeq.gov/wildfireforecast?fire=crooksfire
EVACUATIONS: Residents should continue to monitor the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page for current information. https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/
FOREST CLOSURE: The Prescott National Forest has reduced the Crooks Fire Area Emergency Closure. Several recreation sites and trails remain closed. To view the closure and map visit: Prescott National Forest Fire Closure Order – Fire Closure Map
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place: Wildfires are a NO Drone Zone. Flying recreational and media drones within a TFR is illegal and impedes fire suppression efforts. Report drones to local law enforcement. If You Fly, We Can’t!
InciWeb
Wildfire
Prescribed Fire
Burned Area
Response
Other