Prescott National Forest

Fire Managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to take advantage of predicted weather to burn piles located near Copper Basin, Spruce Mountain, Groom Creek, and areas along Walker Road starting on Wednesday, January 20th through Tuesday, January 26th.     Fire managers expect smoke impacts to Prescott and surrounding areas to be light.  Pile burning helps to reduce hazardous fuels adjacent to the wildland urban interface and increase ecosystem and community resilience. 

Firefighters continue to make progress on the 1200-acre Sour Fire; which remains at 20% containment.  The Sour Fire was reported on Sunday, January 17, 2021 on the Verde Ranger District; approximately 4 miles west of I-17, north of HWY 169 and just east of Cherry Creek Road (T13N, R3E, Sec 6).  On Monday firefighters reported minimal fire behavior and no growth.  Today firefighters will continue to secure and patrol the perimeter of the fire and monitor as interior fuels continue to burn.  Smoke may be visible from HWY 169 and in the community of Cherry as these interior fuels burn.

Firefighters responded to a smoke report on Sunday, January 17, 2021 on the Verde Ranger District.  The 1200-acre Sour Fire which is now 20% contained is burning in brush and grass approximately 4 miles west of I-17, north of HWY 169 and just east of Cherry Creek Road (T13N, R3E, Sec 6).

The Goat Fire, which was reported on Saturday, January 9, 2021 is 100% contained.  Firefighters reported very little interior heat and minimal smoke.  The 28-acre Goat Fire is burning west of HWY 260 and north of the community of Cherry at the end of Forest Road 360 (T14N, R3E, Sec 4).  

The Goat Fire is a reminder that wildfires can happen any time of year.  We would like to remind the public that abandoned campfires are still the leading cause of human-caused wildfires.

Recreation Officials on the Verde Ranger District will closed the following facilities/roads in preparation for the winter season starting on Friday, December 18, 2020 through May 1, 2021. 

Fire Managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to take advantage of predicted weather to burn piles along the Lower Wolf Creek Rd.  (FR-73) starting on Thursday, December 10th through Friday, December 11th. Fire managers expect smoke impacts to Groom Creek and surrounding areas to be light. Pile burning helps to reduce hazardous fuels adjacent to the wildland urban interface and increase ecosystem and community resilience.

Due to recent moisture, cooler temperatures, and shorter days, as well as a reduction in fire activity and resource commitment nationwide, the Prescott National Forest will lift all fire and recreational shooting restrictions on Wednesday, November 11th at 8:00 AM.  While all fire restrictions will be lifted, forest visitors are reminded that the potential for wildfires still exists and to please use caution with campfires and other potential ignition sources. 

Fire Managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to take advantage of predicted weather to burn piles located near Copper Basin, Spruce Mountain, Groom Creek, and Lynx Lake starting on Sunday, November 8th through Sunday, November 15th. Fire managers expect smoke impacts to Prescott and surrounding areas to be light.  Pile burning helps to reduce hazardous fuels adjacent to the wildland urban interface and increase ecosystem and community resilience. 

Due to insufficient rain and continued dry fuel conditions, the Prescott NF along with local partners and neighboring forests are extending State 1 Fire Restrictions.  Forest fuel moistures across Arizona are currently at record lows, and windy conditions continue to further dry out fuels.  Restrictions will remain in effect until forest officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire.

Stage I fire restrictions prohibit the following: