Single Publication

Prescott National Forest Fire Information

(928) 925-1111

Racetrack Fire Update - July 25, 2023

Location: North of Highway 169, south of Crater Mountain near the community of Cherry 

Start Date:  July 23, 2023

Size: 405 acres

Cause: Lightning

Resources: 3 Type-1 Crews, 4 Type-2 Crews, 4 Engines, 1 Dozer and additional support personnel.

Fire behavior: Moderate fire behavior

Types of vegetation in the area (aka fuels): Grass, Brush

SUMMARY: Fire personnel were engaged in a variety of ways on the Racetrack Fire yesterday. Use of aircraft and firefighters on the ground were effective in slowing the fires progression on the northern perimeter from Powell Springs Campground to the east.  Today resources will continue working on reinforcing the control line on the northern perimeter.  Outflow winds yesterday moved the fire to south; today crews will evaluate and scout for natural control features that can be used to stop progression to the south.   Firefighters will continue with structure assessment activities in the community of Cherry identifying locations of homes; and assessing fuels and hazards.  

Possible showers are predicted for today, with increased relative humidity and gusty winds in the afternoon.   

Smoke may be visible from multiple locations including Dewey, Mayer, and Prescott Valley.

Evacuations – Please follow Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for current evacuation information at: https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff or call their non-emergency number at 928-771-3260.

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 fire information please call (928) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.