Viewpoint Fire: Evacuations, More Than 4,000 Acres, 2 Homes Lost

PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ – It started Friday morning as a grass and brush fire in Prescott Valley just north of State Route 89A and west of Viewpoint Drive. Within just a few hours, the fire had grown to more than 4,000 acres from 150 acres and was officially named 89E Fire. It was then renamed the Viewpoint Fire.

Within 90 minutes, the National Weather Service's Tucson Office reported that the fire was large enough to be picked up by satellite. At least two homes have been lost.

The fire is burning nine miles south of the community of Chino Valley. (Get Phoenix Patch's daily newsletter and real-time news alerts. Or, find your local Patch here and subscribe).

Homes and other structures on North Poquito Valley Road and the Antelope Mountain subdivision are threatened by the fire and residents have been evacuated.

There are fire crews from Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, the Prescott Fire Department, and Prescott Wild Land Fire on scene along with Prescott Valley Police Officers and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Deputies..

Evacuations are underway with a shelter being set up at Yavapai College's Prescott campus at 1100 E. Sheldon Street. People needing assistance can call 928-771-3260 for more information.

The Arizona Department of Transportation says that there are lane closures on 89A from mile marker 320 to mile marker 323.

The Prescott Valley Police Department can be contacted at 928-772-9267 (non-emergency) or 911 for emergencies.

There have been more than 500 wildfires in the state already this ear. Officials say that the majority have been caused by humans.

Stage 2 fire restrictions were put in place last week across the state, making campfires, fireworks, outdoor burning, and other activities forbidden.

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Photo via Prescott Valley Police Department.