Cornville AZ (June 30, 2020) – On June 28, 2020, at approximately 3 PM, YCSO Deputies were dispatched to the 11300 block of E Oak Grove Lane in Cornville for a reported wild fire threatening structures in the area. The smoke was black and could be seen from approximately 10 miles away. Verde Valley Fire and State Wild Land Fire arrived on scene quickly and eventually were able to control the fire.
Deputies investigated and determined the fire was started on a property in the 11300 block of E Oak Grove Lane due to a man working with a grinder and metal material on the east side of the property. While using the grinder, he noticed a small spot fire nearby and attempted to extinguish it without success. The fire began burning out of control and moving in a northeast direction in large part due to 20 mph winds. The fire travelled about 800 feet, crossed a road into vacant and improved land, and made to E. Adams Road before it was contained.
A property in the 13300 block of E Oak Grove Lane, next to the fire’s origin, sustained the most damage including a vintage camp trailer, ATV and shed. The trees on the west side of the residence were destroyed and part of a wood fence was burned. A home in the 15500 block E Adams Lane was the only residence to suffer structural damage which included plastic siding and fire damage to an early 2000’s Ford Mustang.
The homeowner using the grinder on E Oak Grove Lane was cited for Reckless Burning due to the Stage 2 fire restrictions – Welding, cutting and grinding is PROHIBITED (Permission may be granted under special circumstances and repair situations as approved by the Fire Marshal).
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov
