YAVAPAI COUNTY, Ariz. — The Racetrack Fire has burned at least 405 acres and is at 60% containment Friday after it was started by a lightning strike over the weekend south of Crater Mountain.
Forest officials said the fire's activity allowed for the increase in containment numbers. Residents living in Dewey, Mayer, and Prescott Valley might have been able to see the fire's smoke.
Officials said an evacuation order for the community of Cherry due to the Racetrack Fire has been lifted and residents can return to their homes. The area is now under the "SET" status.
"Please be cautious of continuous fire activity and remain aware of alerts from your local Public Safety Agencies. Please leave roadways open for fire personnel to continue to move through the area safely," the sheriff's office wrote in a statement on Tuesday.
The area being threatened by the fire is near Federal Mine and Cherry Creek roads.
Yavapai County Emergency Management said the American Red Cross and Animal Disaster Services is setting up a shelter for evacuees and domestic animals at the Camp Verde Gym. The address is 395 S Main Street in Camp Verde.
Those with barn animals can take their animals to the LASER shelter near Arizona Downs. The address is 10445 N. County Fair Trail in Prescott Valley.
Anyone in need of emergency assistance with evacuations should call 911.
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Wildfire Go-Kit:
Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them of they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see early widespread fire activity throughout the state.
An emergency supply kit should be put together long before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Make sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers.
Residents should make sure they have the necessities, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first-aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and non-prescription drugs should also be taken into account.
Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and put into a waterproof, portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.
The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including:
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA weather radio to receive up-to-date information
- Dust mask or cotton T-shirt to filter the air
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Complete change of clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, and sturdy shoes stored in a waterproof container
- Signal flare
The entire NFPA checklist of supplies can be found here.