For a week, Verde Valley residents have seen southern skies fill with smoke from the Horse Fire, burning 20 miles south-southwest of the Verde Valley and 13 miles south-southwest of Mayer near the unincorporated community of Crown King, a former mining area with 133 residents.
The southern perimeter of the 9,442-acre Horse Fire shows little heat Wednesday, Oct. 21, though winds are forecast to increase each day through Saturday, Oct. 24, and could rekindle interior heat sources.
The fire began Thursday, Oct. 15, and is burning juniper, chaparral and timber. The fire is human caused, but specifics are under investigation.
Crews are directly on the fire’s west-southwest edge holding containment there at 32%. The fire is moving and making short runs in the northeast corner where it is being monitored; helicopters are being used if needed.
Along the Forest Road 52/Senator Highway, firefighters are actively working this area to slow and hold the spread of fire to protect the community of Crown King, which is just two miles to the southeast of the fire’s perimeter. The goal is to keep the fire to the west of Forest Road 52. Dozers are being used to create firebreaks and vegetation is being cleared to protect Crown King. To date, no structures are reported damaged or destroyed.
Evacuations are still in effect. Today, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office will escort residents into Crown King for short home visits between 8:00 a.m. and noon. Proof of local residency is required; for information, go to the YCSO webpage at ycsoaz.gov or call: 928-771-3260.
