The Grapevine Fire is burning on Mingus Mountain, in the Verde Ranger District approximately 10 miles east of Prescott Valley and two miles south of Mingus Spring Ranch
Lightning started the fire on July 21, which has now grown to approximately 1,049 acres. Fire crews have the blaze 19% contained. It is primarily burning brush, timber and short grass.
The 221 fire personnel assigned include one Type 1 Crew, three Type 2 Crews, four engines, one helicopter and additional support personnel.
Monsoon storms on Aug. 1 required fire crews to disengage from fire suppression activities. The crews’ priorities are completing action to turn the fire over to the Prescott National Forest. Fire crews are constructing control lines and suppression repair around the fire area, including fire mitigation of infrastructure, roads, bar ditches and damage to the surrounding areas affected by fire suppression.
At 5 p.m. Wednesday Aug. 2, fire managers will terminate the closure along Forest Roads 104 and 413. The roads will be open to the public while heavy equipment remains working through the weekend. People should use extreme caution while driving in the area. Safety personnel will be on site to protect the fire crews as well as the public.
Racetrack Fire
The 405-acre Racetrack Fire has been fully contained since July 28.
Fire Restrictions
The entire Prescott National Forest is under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions which prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal and briquettes, outside a structure that is provided by the Forest Service within designated areas for portions of the forest. Under these restrictions, discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun, except for persons engaged in legal hunting activities, is prohibited on the Prescott National Forest. Fireworks and the use of exploding targets are always prohibited year-round on national forests.
For current evacuation information contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 771-3260 or follow YCSO on Facebook.
For fire information call (928) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following it on Facebook and Twitter.
