The California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 (CIIMT) transferred command of the fire to Incident Commander Ryan Barela’s Central West Zone Type 3 Team. Barela’s team shadowed the CIIMT4 on Wednesday to ensure a smooth transition for management of the fire. Fire objectives remain the same, which include, providing for the safety of the public and fire resources, keeping the fire within its current footprint, and ensuring total suppression of the fire.

Firefighters remain actively engaged working to button up some uncontained line on the northwest edge of the fire. Crews are also patrolling for interior smokes and monitoring containment lines. Pockets of interior fuel continue to burn west of Lookout Mountain, therefore smoke may be visible to nearby communities. Additionally, crews are backhauling equipment off the line and providing rehabilitation work to mitigate hazards associated with suppression tactics.

As of 8 a.m. today, Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place on the Prescott National Forest and State Trust Lands within Yavapai County. Campfires are restricted to developed campsites only and smoking is only allowed inside a building or vehicle. Target shooting and fireworks are prohibited on both the Prescott National Forest and all State Trust land.  For detailed information: WildlandFire.az.gov

WEATHER: Expect a round of very dry and sunny conditions. Afternoon humidity will dip below 15%. Ridgetop winds will increase after the inversion breaks at 11:00 a.m., with afternoon gusts above 20 mph. Poor humidity recoveries are expected tonight. Very dry conditions will continue on Friday, along with an increase in southwest winds. On Saturday, a round of near critical fire weather conditions is possible due to a combination of very dry and windy weather.

EVACUATIONS: Residents should continue to monitor the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page for current information. https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/

FOREST CLOSURE:  The Prescott National Forest has reduced the Crooks Fire Area Emergency Closure.  Several recreation sites and trails remain closed.  To view the closure and map visit: Prescott National Forest Fire Closure Order – Fire Closure Map

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place: Wildfires are a NO Drone Zone. Flying recreational and media drones within a TFR is illegal and impedes fire suppression efforts. Report drones to local law enforcement. If You Fly, We Can’t!