Prescott

Effective Friday, October 18^th at 6:00 am, the Prescott National Forest will lift the fire related area closure for the Sheridan Fire in Camp Wood, north and west of Prescott.        

The public is advised to have heightened awareness about potential safety hazards and exercise increased vigilance regarding personal safety and understand that potential hazards can still exist.  Be aware of their surroundings, check current and forecasted weather conditions, let someone know where you will be camping, and keep a well charged cell phone with you. 

Fire activity and growth stalled yesterday as predicted thundershowers materialized over the fire area. However, the rainfall was insufficient in reducing the fire’s potential as only 1⁄4” of precipitation fell over the fire. Fire crews continued scouting for placement of containment lines and safe access routes. Rugged terrain and inclement weather challenged fire crews on the ground. 

Fire managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to take advantage of favorable weather conditions and have planned several fuel treatments October 4^th through October 30^th.  All burning will be dependent on current and expected weather conditions.  Fire managers will utilize tactics to keep smoke impacts as minimal as possible.  These may include canceling approved burns when conditions aren’t favorable, timing daytime ignitions to allow the majority of smoke to disperse prior to settling overnight, and burning larger sections at a time when conditions are favorable

The Prescott National Forest assumed command of the Johnson Fire this morning at 6 AM. Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team 3 were highly successful in managing the fire and produced a solid plan for the forest; for any future wildfires that may occur in the area.  Mario Orozco is the Type 4 Incident Commander for the Johnson Fire.  

Summary: Crews arrived on the scene of the fire Tuesday morning and worked to secure the perimeter on the north side of the fire. Crews will return to the fire today, continuing to construct direct fire line and mop up heat along the fire perimeter. Recent precipitation assisted firefighters by extinguishing heat in lighter fuels, but significant heat remains in heavier fuels, mainly on the north side of the fire where crews will concentrate suppression efforts. High overnight humidity continues to keep fire behavior at a minimum.

Last night the fire was active on the north end as it burned in heavy dead and down timber.  Due to the terrain and remote location firefighters will focus today on road access into the fire area and will continue structure assessment and locate potential hazards like mine shafts in the fire area.    

Due to the location, values at risk, terrain and fuel loading, Gesser’s Type 2 Incident Management Team will take command of the Johnson Fire tomorrow. 

Firefighters responded to a smoke report at 2:15 pm approximately 8 miles south of Prescott, near Lookout Mountain (T12N, R2W, S16).  The 100 acre Johnson Fire is burning in brush, pinyon and some timber.  Firefighters and air attack are on scene assessing fuels conditions and values at risk.   Smoke will be visible from Prescott and other local communities.

Forest officials have reduced the size of the fire area closure, but motorists should remain vigilant due to the presence of fire crews and equipment working in the area and other hazards associated with the rehabilitation efforts.

Sheridan Fire Overview

Location: 23 miles Northwest of Prescott, AZ on the Chino Valley District (T16N, R6W, S16)

Size: 21,510 acres;

Percent Contained: 60%

Cause: Lightning