Multiple homes have been destroyed and evacuations were ordered after a fast-moving wildfire sparked Friday morning near Chino Valley.
The Viewpoint Fire, previously referred to as the 89E Fire, is burning north of Prescott in Yavapai County. The fire, fueled by dry brush and gusting winds, had grown to more than 5,600 acres before crews were able to stop forward progression by 5 p.m Friday.
As of 9 a.m. Sunday, 95 percent of the wildfire had been contained, according to Forestry officials.
Fire officials say the cause of the fire has been determined to be human-caused but the source of the fire has not been determined.
Forestry officials confirmed that two homes had been destroyed in the Poquito Valley area, along with possibly three to four more. Hundreds of additional structures remain threatened.
Fire officials say 12 structures, four RV travel trailers, and six vehicles were also destroyed.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office carried out evacuations of the Antelope Meadows and Poquito Valley areas while crews fought to contain and stop the fire's progression. The evacuation order for the Poquito Valley area was lifted at 6:30 p.m. Friday, per Sheriff's officials.
#ViewpointFire - forward progression has been stopped! Est. 2500 acres. Crews will remain on the fire overnight and into tomorrow watching for hotspots and patrolling line. #YavapaiCounty #AZFire #AZStateFire
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) May 11, 2018
Air attack crews and ground personnel are working on fighting the blaze, which is burning in dry vegetation and grasses. Crews from Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, Prescott Fire Department, Prescott Wild Land Fire, Prescott Valley Police and Yavapai County Sheriff's Office are on the scene.
#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
State Route 89A was restricted in both directions Friday morning as firefighting operations were underway but have since been reopened.
Start date: Friday, May 11 around 11 a.m.
Location: Prescott Valley area, south of Chino Valley
Size: 5,600 acres
Cause: Human-caused
Containment: 95%
Road closures: None
Crews: 140 fire personnel, including local cooperating agencies and aircraft, working to stop forward progression of this fire. Additional aircraft, including a VLAT, or very large air tanker have been ordered.
Assistance: If you need help, call 928-771-3260, or 911 in emergencies.
Conditions near the #89EFire have winds gusting over 35mph. Already 150+ acres with evacuation underway. #ABC15wx #AZwx pic.twitter.com/ayhxXeixc1
— John Patrick (@JohnPatrickWX) May 11, 2018
The wildfire north of Prescott has grown large enough to appear on satellite imagery. It is the bright pink/red spot that develops between Chino Valley & Prescott Valley. Due to the angle of the satellite from overhead the spot may not be in the exact fire location. #azwx pic.twitter.com/Zr51oj4T6q
— NWS Tucson (@NWSTucson) May 11, 2018
The National Weather Service says much of northern Arizona is experiencing "critical fire weather conditions" through Saturday due to a storm system approaching the state from the northwest.
