Crooks Fire: All evacuated areas return to 'ready' status; 96% containment reached
Fire crews working on the Crooks Fire burning near Mount Union, about 10 miles south of Prescott, increased containment to 96% and all the previously evacuated areas were returned to "ready" status.
The blaze on Thursday remained at 9,402 acres burned and has been at that size since Saturday.
Ready is the first step in the state's three-step evacuation framework, and it advises residents to take steps to prepare for any fire threats.
Residents in one of the last remaining evacuated areas, Lookout Mountain, were to be allowed to return home starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Late Wednesday, the Yavapai County Sheriff's office announced on Facebook all areas affected by the fire were placed in "ready" status.
"We ask that residents be mindful that there is still fire-fighting equipment and personnel in the area and to please exercise extreme caution and slow down for everyone's safety," the post on Facebook read.
The National Forest also reduced the size of the restricted area Tuesday in a new closure order. A map of the updated area can be found on the forest's website, at https://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott/.
"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," forest officials said in a release.
The forecast will remain favorable for firefighters with low humidity and light winds Thursday. The dry conditions will continue Friday with an increase in southwest winds.
"On Saturday, a round of near critical fire weather conditions is possible due to a combination of very dry and windy weather," InciWeb stated.
The fire was reported April 18, and the cause was still under investigation, according to InciWeb, a website that tracks wildfire information.
For today, let's be thankful for a respite from the recent winds. We're looking at a near perfect spring day across northern Arizona for your Wednesday. Savor this moment because the winds return this weekend😫. #azwx pic.twitter.com/0SkAj8IzPC
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) May 4, 2022
Crews will continue mopping up and backhauling equipment out of the Lookout Mountain area, according to the Prescott National Forest. Firefighters will also concentrate efforts on the northwestern edge of the fire to ensure containment lines hold.
Containment defines the amount of the fire's perimeter surrounded by a control line that the fire will not cross.
Patches of interior fuel continue to burn west of Lookout Mountain, so nearby communities may see smoke.
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.
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.
As of Thursday, 500 personnel were working on the fire.
Fire management transitioned Thursday to a local team, the Central West Zone Type 3 Team.
Evacuations in effect
In the area of Lookout Mountain, these specific regions were allowed home beginning 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Forest Service Road 261 (a.k.a Poland Road)
Tall Pines Rd.
Golden Eagle Rd.
Short Pines Rd.
Senator Highway
Residents returning will need documentation of ownership to return and will need to check in at the roadblock located at Senator Highway and Wiggler Road.
Residents in the areas Mount Tritle, Breezy Pines, South Walker, Potato Patch and Mountain Pine were given permission to return home Monday.
All areas are in "ready" status.
If anyone has questions or needs assistance, they can stop by or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Crooks Fire: All evacuated areas return to 'ready' status
