Smoke continues to fill the Verde Valley as both the Grapevine and Racetrack fires burn.
The Grapevine fire, located eight miles east of Prescott Valley, was reported at approximately 4 p.m. on Friday, July 21 on the south side of Mingus Mountain in the Verde Ranger District. The fire was caused by a lightning strike and is fueled by brush, timber and short grass. As of Thursday, July 27, the fire is at 1,041 acres and is 0% contained.
Those living in the White Horse Ranch area were given an evacuation notice on Tuesday, July 25 and are still in a GO status. Residents are asked to evacuate their properties as fire personnel are actively working in the area. Mingus Springs 4-H Camp and neighboring residents are in a SET status to be prepared to evacuate.
The Grapevine fire is seeing short uphill and wind-driven runs and is collectively backing and creeping.
Fire crews plan to continue the process of monitoring the western side of the fire while improving existing control lines and constructing containment features. Fire activity will be dependent upon potential storms and outflows within the next 24 hours.
The Racetrack fire, located 10 miles west of Camp Verde, is 405 acres and is 40% contained with low fire behavior as of Thursday, July 27. This fire was also caused by lightning and is fueled by brush and short grass.
Fire crews continue to hold, secure and patrol the containment features.
The community of Cherry and Federal Mine Rd area is currently in a SET status, meaning that this area is no longer under mandatory evacuation but allowing only residents and emergency personnel access.
Prescott National Forest is currently under stage 1 fire restrictions, which prohibits:
- Building, maintaining or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove other than in a developed campsite or picnic area
- Smoking unless it is within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials
- The discharging or using of any kind of fireworks and incendiary devices
- Welding or operating acetylene or other torch devices with an open flame
The evacuation shelter is located at the Camp Verde Gym at 75 E Hollamon St. For more information on evacuation, call 928-442-5103. Sign up for Everbridge, the Yavapai County Emergency Notification System at ycsoaz.gov/ENS.
