The Goodwin Fire has burned nearly 25,000 acres in the Bradshaw Ranger District of the Prescott National Forest, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
IMPORTANT NOTE: A public meeting will be held Thursday for anyone seeking information on the fire. It will take place at Lifepointe Church in Prescott Valley (10100 AZ Highway 69) at 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Fire officials say the fire sparked 14 miles south of Prescott on Saturday. Tuesday morning officials said the fire was at 5 percent containment, but dropped to 1 percent containment Tuesday night.
Around 6 p.m. Wednesday an unmanned aircraft (or a drone) was seen flying over the fire. The incident forced firefighting aircraft to land as a result. According to officials, the drone endangered the lives of firefighters.
It's possible that the drone interference was a result of a photo contest being held by PrescotteNews.com.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. There's a "temporary flight restriction" in place during the fire. Offenders who are caught using a drone will be prosecuted.
EVACUATION ORDERS
From the Department of Forestry and Fire:
- Mayer (to be lifted at 10 am)
- Dewey (West of Highway 69)
- Area west of Highway 69, from Mayer to Poland Junction
- Poland Junction, Chaparral Hills and Breezy Pines subdivision
- Pine Flat
- Walker
- Chauncy Ranch Road
- Blue Hills
- Potato Patch
- Mountain Pine Acres
- Mt. Union
PRE-EVACUATIONS
- Orme School
ANIMAL SERVICES
Large animals can be transported to the Coors building at the old horse track at 10501 East State Route 89A. Owners will need to provide containers for feeding and watering. Water is available on site.
ROAD CLOSURES
From the Department of Forestry and Fire:
- SR 69 remains closed from I-17 to SR 169. SR 169 and SR 89 are alternate routes.
STRUCTURES DAMAGED
From the Department of Forestry and Fire:
- Fire managers have received inquiries about structures damaged or destroyed in the first day of the Goodwin Fire
- Yavapai County Sheriff's Office is working with fire officials to determine extent of damaged structures
CAMPS CLOSED
The following youth camps have been closed as a caution because of the fire:
- Friendly Pines in Prescott
- Prescott Pines
- Bradshaw Pines
- Whispering Pines
- Patterdell Pines
- Camp Marapai
- Camp Wamotochick
- Pine Summit Bible Camp
- Sky Camp
ADDITIONAL CLOSURES
From the Department of Forestry and Fire:
- "A closure order on the Prescott National Forest is in effect to provide for the safety of firefighters and the public."
PHONE LINES
The Yavapai County Emergency Operations Center and the phone bank will stay open 24 hours for those seeking information, updates or those with questions can call 928-442-5103. APS also has a 24-hour customer care center phone line that can be reached by calling 602-371-7171.
EVACUATION CENTERS
The evacuation center has been moved from Mayer High School to Bradshaw Mountain High School in Prescott Valley. (Address: 6000 E .Long Look Dr, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314). A community meeting was also held at Bradshaw Mountain High School at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Salvation Army is immobilizing its Emergency Disaster team to help those affected by the Goodwin Fire.
By Wednesday night they expect to have two canteen units available which are capable of serving 1,500 meals per day. Over the last 24 hours, they’ve fed 100 people at a Red Cross Shelter.
The Red Cross has also opened an evacuation center at Yavapai College in Prescott, at 1100 E Sheldon Street building number 2. Pets are also accepted at building number 4.
If you’d like to donate text the word Goodwin to 51555.
