https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/prescott/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD547933

Size: Approximately 18,000 acres

Percent Contained: 1%

Cause: Under Investigation

Vegetation: Predominantly dense chaparral over 40 years old, and Ponderosa pine stands in the drainages

Summary: The Goodwin Fire continues to burn in very rugged terrain south and west of the junction with Senator Highway (FR 52) and County Road 177. Fire crews began the day working to keep the fire south of County Road 177, the Mayer-Goodwin Road, and away from the homes and communities to the north. Active fire behavior has resulted in very rapid fire growth to the northeast. Highway 69 was closed due to smoke and visibility at midafternoon between I-17 and Hwy 169. Later in the afternoon the fire had put several spots across State Highway 69. Fixed wing aircraft and helicopters have been working all day to assist firefighting efforts. Coordinated efforts are being made to evacuate communities and focus on opportunities for structure protection in the evacuation areas. Residents are being encouraged to evacuate if they are under an evacuation order for their safety and the safety of firefighters.

Many factors are contributing to the fire’s behavior including high temperatures; low humidity; high winds, dense, dry, and thick vegetation; and steep, rugged terrain. The fire is burning in chaparral that has not experienced fire for more than 40 years. The other primary fuel is ponderosa pine which is growing in very rugged terrain with little access. Because firefighter and public safety is the number one objective, firefighters are being directed to not put themselves in situations where the risks are high and probability of success is low.

A Public Meeting was held this evening at the Bradshaw Mountain High School in Prescott Valley, AZ. Residents had the opportunity to hear from local, state, federal, and incident management officials and ask questions regarding the status of and plans for fighting the Goodwin Fire.

Evacuations: Evacuations have been ordered for:the area north of the Goodwin-Mayer Road/County Road 177, and west of Highway 69, from Mayer to south of Poland Junction. This does not include areas east of Highway 69. Evacuations have been ordered forthe Breezy Pines subdivision, all of Mayer, Poland Junction and Chaparral HilThe evacuation remains in place for Pine Flat. A shelter has been set up at the Bradshaw Mountain High School, 6000 E Long Look Drive in Prescott Valley.

Pre-Evacuation: Pre-evacuations have also been ordered for Walker, Potato Patch, and Mountain Pine Acres.

For additional information please call the Yavapai County Emergency Operation Center at (928) 442-5103, 7am – 7pm.

Closures: State Highway 69 is now closed from I-17 to Hwy 169.

A Closure Order on the Prescott National Forest is in effect to provide for the safety of firefighters and the public.

Please visit the Prescott National Forest website (www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott) or Inciweb (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5278/) for a map of the closed area.

Structure Damage: Goodwin Fire managers and cooperators have been receiving inquiries regarding structures damaged or destroyed during the first day of Goodwin Fire. It was reported that structures have been destroyed and the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office personnel are working with fire officials to determine the extent of damaged structures. However, this can only be accomplished when it is safe for deputies to enter, complete an accurate assessment, and determine ownership. Efforts to expedite the release of such information is ongoing. In the meantime, the patience of those residents who have been evacuated is greatly appreciated.