Viewpoint Fire North Of Prescott Reaches 2,000 Acres, Residents Evacuated
Download mp3 (1.03 MB)The Viewpoint Fire, formerly called the 89E Fire, is burning about 15 miles north of Prescott.
#ViewpointFire - formerly #89EFire Update: @RedCrossNAZ is opening a shelter for evacuees at the Yavapai County Community College, 1100 E Sheldon, Prescott. #AZFire #AZStateForestry #AZFire
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) May 11, 2018
The wildfire, which started out small has now reached 2,000 acres.
About 400 structures are threatened by the Viewpoint Fire. People have been evacuated from about 100 of them by the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office.
Tiffany Davila is with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. She said the fire went from 150 acres to 2,000 acres within about three hours because of dry brush and windy conditions.
"The state is under a red flag warning and those conditions are just prime for wildfire starts," Davila said. "Not only do they start very quick under those conditions, but they move very fast.”
State Route 89 is restricted, but Davila said drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
