Cottonwood AZ (June 14, 2018) – On 6-13-18 at about 13:30 Hrs. Verde Valley Fire District units were dispatched to the area of Hwy 89A at Mile Post 360 for a report of a Vehicle Fire. While units were responding, they were advised of the vehicle fire was spreading into the Brush and grass nearby. On arrival of the first engine, they found a VW van fully involved with fire extending into the brush on the east side of the highway and into the median of the highway.
High winds in the area pushed the fire north and west thru the median and jumped the southbound roadway to the west side of the highway. Fire units attacked the fire on the Eastside of the roadway and the median and worked up to the west side of the roadway.
Additional Fire units from US Forest Service, Sedona Fire District, Copper Canyon Fire and Medical and Arizona Department of Fire & Forestry Management were dispatched and arrived to control the progression of the fire. Fire was contained to approx. 35 Acres at about 17:00 hrs.
Department of Public Safety and Yavapai County Sheriff Office closed Hwy 89A in both directions for an extended amount of time due to the safety of Firefighter working in and around the roadway and the active fire burning and smoke along the roadway.
Fire Crews utilized Forest Service Type 3 helicopter for water drops and a State DFFM Type 2 Fire Crew for securing the fire line and extended extinguishment operations thru Thursday 6-14-18. There were no injuries.
As a Reminder, Yavapai County is in a Full Fire Ban. Just a spark from a chain or a lit cigarette can cause a catastrophic wildland fire. Please use caution while in the Deserts and Forest areas of our state this time of year.