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 5,100 acres before crews were able to stop forward progression by 5 p.m Friday.
As of Saturday afternoon, 80 percent of the wildfire had been contained, according to Forestry officials.
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.
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, per Sheriff officials.
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 scene.
State Route 89A was restricted in both directions Friday morning as firefighting operations were underway but has since been reopened.
Start date: Friday, May 11 around 11 a.m.
Location: Prescott Valley area, south of Chino Valley
Size: 5,100 acres
Cause: Human caused
Containment: 10%
Road closures: None
Evacuations: Poquito Valley north of Acre Way
Shelter: Yavapai College in Prescott, 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. Red Cross is en route.
Crews: More than 200 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.
