Firefighters continue to work on Monday to contain the 200-acre Johnson fire burning outside of Prescott.
The fire was first reported Sunday approximately eight miles south of Prescott, near Lookout Mountain, and has since forced the mandatory evacuation of 35 homes in the Lookout Mountain and Maverick Mountain areas. Evacuees have taken shelter at Prescott High School.
The 200 acre fire was at 0% containment as of Monday morning, according to the Prescott branch of the National Forest Service.
The fire has burned on the north end so far, burning through “dead and downed” timber as it shifts away from Prescott.
Heavy rain showers are forecast for the area on Monday, which could help attempts to put out the fire.
Eric Solomon, a public information officer for the Johnson Fire, said rain would help, but that crews would also continue to tackle the fire. “Rain is not something we can bet on, so we’re going to suppress this fire with all the resources we have,” Solomon told the Arizona Republic.
Those resources include nine firetrucks, two helicopters, and an air-attack aircraft, with additional resources, including air tanks, expected to arrive on Monday.
The National Forest Service has also asked the public to avoid the Ponderosa Park, Lower Wolf Creek and Potato Patch areas, as firefighters will be present in those communities.
Local residents who need assistance or have questions about the fire can call the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 771-3260.
The cause of the Johnson Fire remains under investigation.
Keya Vakil Keya is a reporter at COURIER, where he covers everything from healthcare to climate change. Prior to joining Courier Newsroom, Keya worked as a researcher in the film industry and dabbled in the political world.
