Crooks Fire: Containment grows to 83% near Prescott; More fire weather expected

Fire crews working on the Crooks Fire burning near Mount Union, about 10 miles south of Prescott, increased containment to 83% as the blaze remained at 9,402 acres as of Tuesday morning.

"Firefighters have made great progress, but the fire risk is not gone," Prescott National Forest officials said in a news release Tuesday. "Firefighters will be monitoring the Crooks Fire every day until containment reaches 100%."

A red flag warning will be in effect Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. for areas in northeast Arizona including Winslow, Tuba City and Holbrook, according to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff. Winds are expected to bring critical fire weather to the area in the afternoon.

The weather Sunday tested the containment lines, but they held during 44 mph wind gusts, and the fire area did not expand, according to a statement released by the Prescott National Forest on Monday.

Reparation of road damage is underway for the re-population of evacuated neighborhoods, according to the statement. Evacuations were lifted in all areas except Lookout Mountain on Monday.

Firefighters have started removing equipment, which includes portable water tanks, pumps and hoses, off the fireline.

The fire was reported on April 18, and the cause was still under investigation, according to InciWeb, a website that tracks wildfire information.

Containment defines the amount of the fire's perimeter surrounded by a control line that the fire will not cross.

Only two structures were reported damaged, but additional information will be released when property locations have been verified and owners have been notified, forest officials said.

Prescott National Forest announced last week that the restricted area would expand to the south and southeast of Prescott. Restrictions for these areas will be in place until Tuesday.

A map of the updated restricted area can be found on the Prescott National Forest's website.

The U.S. Forest Service announced Friday that the Prescott National Forest will be entering Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday. Details about the restrictions can be found on the U.S. Forest Service website.

Where is the Crooks Fire burning?

Crooks Fire is burning about 10 miles south of Prescott in the west portion of Prescott National Forest, west of Big Bug Mesa, northwest of Pine Creek, southeast to Mount Tritle, south of Potato Patch and east of Johnson Flat.

The fire reached Mount Union, Mount Davis, Yankee Doodle Peak and Moscow Peak. It also reached Lookout Mountain toward the west.

The Forest Service closed sites in Groom Creek and Lynx Lake recreation areas, White Spar campground, Prescott Circle Trail and the Prescott Basin were closed on April 21. A full list of what is closed can be found on the Forest Service's website.

As of Tuesday morning, 798 personnel were working on the fire.

Evacuations in effect

Residents in the area of Mount Tritle were given permission to return home Monday at 11 a.m. and those in Breezy Pines were allowed to return at noon.

People evacuated from South Walker, Potato Patch and Mountain Pine were given permission to return home Monday at 3 p.m. Residents returning to the Walker area need to take Walker Road and not Senator Highway, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office.

Property owners have to show proof of residency to pass, and if they find damage to their homes they can contact Karen Pimental from Red Cross at 530-310-2153 for assistance.

"Please remember that there is still fire fighting equipment and personnel in the area so exercise extreme caution and slow down for everyone's safety," the sheriff's office said.

Only Lookout Mountain remains under evacuation or "go" status, according to the sheriff's office. The Walker Road South area will be under "set" status, meaning residents should be ready to evacuate.

All other areas will be in "ready" status.

The American Red Cross said a shelter was set up for residents affected by the fire at the Yavapai College gymnasium, at 1100 E. Sheldon St. in Building 2, in Prescott.

If anyone has questions or needs assistance, they can stop by or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).

Reach breaking news reporter Angela Cordoba Perez at Angela.CordobaPerez@Gannett.com or on Twitter @AngelaCordobaP.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Crooks Fire: Containment grows to 83% near Prescott