Emergency closures for Crooks Fire ease in Prescott National Forest
The Crooks Fire burning near Mount Union, about 11 miles south of Prescott, remains at 96% containment on Sunday but Prescott National Forest says that the emergency closure area has been reduced, allowing for the opening of Upper Goldwater Lake and additional trails north of County Road 101.
The fire has burned approximately 9,402 acres since it began nearly a month ago.
According to Prescott National Forest, trails in Groom Creek and Spruce Mountain remain closed for public safety. All roads, trails and recreation sites including Upper and Lower Wolf Creek campgrounds and Palace Station remain closed within the closure area.
"We would like to remind residents driving in the area to utilize caution as fire traffic and personnel are still working in the communities of Potato Path, Walker, Lookout Mountain and Spruce Mountain," forest officials said in a statement.
On Saturday, a red flag warning was issued for most of Arizona through Sunday night due to strong southwest winds and low humidity.
Despite weather conditions this weekend, crews were successful in keeping the fire contained, according to Prescott National Forest.
Firefighters continued to further the depth of "mop up" operations along the the fire's northwest edge, which remains uncontained. Crews are working towards the interior to extinguish remaining pockets of heat.
Mount Union Lookout has been staffed to help monitor the fire area and notify emergency personnel of any possible flair-ups and fire activity that could cause concern along the fires edge.
Reach breaking news reporter Haleigh Kochanski at hkochanski@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @HaleighKochans.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Crooks Fire: Emergency closures ease in Prescott National Forest
