Gladiator Fire update

 

Gladiator Fire

May 16, 2012 @ 7:00 pm

Size:  Approximately 5,420 acres                     Containment:  5%

Cause:  Human caused; originated from a structure fire on private property  

Time/Date Started:    Sunday, May 13 at 11:00 am

Location:  Community of Crown King (T10N, R1W, S14)

Jurisdiction:  Private property and the Prescott National Forest

Fuels:  Ponderosa pine and chaparral

Values at Risk:  Community of Crown King and the Horsethief Basin.  Additional threats are posed to Forest Service campgrounds, lookout towers, communications sites, power lines and historic sites within the Forest.

Terrain:  Steep, rugged, difficult access  

Resources:  8 Type-1 Crews, 4 Type-2 Crews, 16 Engines, 4 Type-1 Helicopters, 2 Type-3 Helicopter, 6 Type-1 Airtankers, Air Attack

Total no. of personnel:  504                           Injuries to date:  3

A community meeting is planned for Thursday, May 17 at 6:00 pm at the Mayer High School, 17300 E. Mule Deer Drive, Spring Valley, AZ.   

An Evacuation Order remains in effect for the community of Crown King. 

Effective May 16, the Red Cross Shelter/Evacuation Center was relocated to: 

Bradshaw Mountain High School East Campus; 6144 N. Robert Rd; Prescott Valley, AZ  86314.  Red Cross personnel can be reached at 928-237-6751.

The combination of forecasted dry weather and strong winds continue to challenge firefighters. Extreme fire behavior was exhibited as the fire spread north and east today.  Firefighters continued work along the western perimeter just east of Crown King. Efforts are being made to protect structures where possible. Crews are also working to protect communication sites west of the fire. A key firefighting objective during full suppression activities includes ensuring firefighter and public safety.

Yavapai County fire ban in effect across all fire ban zones:  Northern, Central, Southern and Eastern.  The following are prohibited:

·        All open fires and campfires.

·        Other types of outdoor fires that produce open flames such as lamp oil in tiki lamps.

·        Fireworks and other pyrotechnic displays.

·        Outdoor use of equipment that generates open flames or a spark. This restricts the use of welding equipment and chain saws. 

Prescott National Forest Campfire and Smoking Restrictions and Closure Order are in effect, they are as follows:

• Campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires (wood, charcoal, and coal burning) are prohibited on all Prescott National Forest lands, roads, and trails; except within developed recreation sites where grills and campfire rings are provided (Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed).
• Smoking is prohibited except within enclosed vehicles, buildings, or developed recreation sites where the area is cleared of all flammable material.
• Campfires are not allowed at the designated dispersed sites within the Prescott Basin.  Metal posts identify designated dispersed sites with a number.

A Closure Order is in effect for all Prescott National Forest land south of County Road 177.

• Road Closures:  All roads leading into the community of Crown King are closed.
• Cleator – Crown King Road (County Road 59) is closed at Cleator. 
• Senator Highway to Crown King (County Road 52) is closed at Goodwin. 
• Forest Road 192 is closed. 
• Forest Road 711 is closed at the southern boundary of the Forest.

Visibility is an excellent measure of air quality.  If visibility is ten miles or more, the air quality is good.  Visibility of six to nine miles indicates moderate air quality.  Three to five miles of visibility indicates conditions unhealthy for sensitive groups.  One and a half to two and a half miles, the air quality is unhealthy.  One to one and a quarter miles indicates the air quality is very unhealthy.  If visibility due to smoke is less than a mile, the air quality is hazardous.  Smoke sensitive persons in affected areas may need to take action to mitigate the conditions.  Remaining indoors, using air conditioning or temporarily moving to an unaffected area may be necessary.

For more smoke information and air quality forecasts, please visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website at  http://www.azfireinfo.com/links.asp#Smoke .

The public can obtain fire information via the following:

• Effective May 16–Gladiator Fire Information, call 928-632-4368 or 928-632-4420
• Gladiator Fire Incident Website: http://www.inciweb.org
• Fire Information Center: Information officers are available to provide fire information and media interviews at the Mayer High School, call 928-632-4368 or 928-632-4420 (505) 235-4213 from 7:00 am until 10:00 pm.
• Prescott National Forest Fire Information Hotline: 928-777-5799 (recorded message)
• Prescott National Forest Web Site: www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott
• Arizona Fire Information & Restrictions: Call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit http://wildlandfire.az.gov.