April 27, 2022
Location: 11 nautical miles south of Prescott-Bradshaw Ranger District (T12N, R2W, SEC 1), near Mt Union.
Start Date: April 18, 2022
Size: Approximately 8018 acres, 20% Containment
Cause: Under Investigation
Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Chaparral (6 feet)
Number of Personnel Assigned: 786
On Tuesday, a combination of southerly winds and difficult terrain hampered firefighting efforts. Wind gusts up to 25 mph created wind driven runs moving fire across FSR 81. Upper-level winds also continued to push smoke into surrounding communities. Despite increasing acreage crews were able to increase containment from 16% to 20% and complete line construction from Moscow Peak west to Senator Highway. In addition, teams performed prep work on the north and east perimeter of the fire.
Tactical objectives for today are to improve upon containment efforts made to the north and east. In addition, ground crews with support of dozers and aircraft, will perform direct and indirect actions south of Lookout Mountain and along FSR 81. Remaining firefighters will continue structure protection and be available for deployment to any area of need. An additional Helitack base has been established which will provide for faster turnaround times and increased support of ground crews on the south end of the fire.
Resources Assigned: 7 – Type 1 Hotshot crews, 5 – Type 2 Hand crews, 41- Engines, 13 – Helicopters, Miscellaneous Equipment, and Overhead.
WEATHER: Dry conditions continues throughout the area, with humidity in the teens to single digits. Winds out of the southwest at 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 will produce near critical fire weather.
SMOKE INFORMATION: Residents should be aware of increasing smoke conditions do to winds out of the south. Residents can monitor current conditions for the Crooks Fire, via Arizona Smoke Forecasting system located at https://azdeq.gov/wildfireforecast?fire=crooksfire
EVACUATIONS: Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department announced several areas have moved from “READY” to ”SET” status. Residents should visit the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page for additional information. https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/
FOREST CLOSURE: To provide public health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger
associated with the uncontrolled Crooks Fire the Prescott National Forest has implemented a fire area emergency closure. To view the Crooks Fire area closure order and map visit: Prescott National Forest – Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)
COMMUNITY MEETING: Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
3700 Willow Creek Road, Prescott, AZ. Residents may attend in person at the Hanger or virtually via Facebook Live Stream www.facebook/PrescottNF additionally, residents can watch live or view a replay on YouTube www.youtube.com/channel/UCzbIoBB-yAclQO_Hz0hBMQQ

Read the entire article at: https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF