Crews slow spread of Horse Fire burning near Prescott

PHOENIX – Crews are making headway against a forest fire that has been burning for several days north of Phoenix.

The Horse Fire has incinerated 8,968 acres in the Prescott National Forest as of Monday morning, fire authorities said and was 21% contained, spreading just 18 acres overnight.

That was marked improvement from the speed the fire was growing when it began Thursday afternoon, estimated at about 300 acres by the time it was reported.

By Friday morning, over 2,500 acres had burned and nearby Crown King was evacuated, followed by Minnehaha, Horsethief Cabins and any other area near the flames and smoke.

Since then, the Horse Fire jumped from 3,500 acres to 8,300 acres Friday to 8,950 acres Sunday and 0% percent containment until Monday.

The blaze is about 7 miles from Crown King and about 18 south of Prescott. All roads leading into Crown King are closed.

Forest Service officials said the fire is human-caused and an investigation is underway.

A virtual community meeting was planned for 6 p.m. Monday.

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