Tussock Fire Morning Update, May 14, 2021

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Phoenix District Office

Media Contact:

Public Information Phone Line
Media Information Phone Line

Acres: 5,517
Percent Containment: 71%
Date/Time Detected: May 8, 2021. 2:15 PM
Structures burned: 0
Number of Resources: 477
Cause: Human-under investigation Origin/Location: 7 miles southwest of Crown King.

Significant containment achieved in Tussock
Fire Evacuations Lifted

FIRE OPERATIONS
Firefighters made significant strides Thursday around most of the Tussock Fire, now at 71% containment. Despite it being the hottest day with little humidity and more winds, all containment lines held well. Pockets of light fuel are burning within the fire’s perimeter producing some smoke. Firefighters are patrolling, monitoring, and securing the fire’s edge. The weather is expected to challenge those containment lines today and tomorrow.
Winds are forecast to pick up, potentially to a Red Flag status and could challenge firefighters working on the north ridgeline. This area is too dangerous to insert crews due to steep terrain. The fire has parked itself there and is being monitored by air. This area has the most potential for fire spread. Heavy equipment continues to build and improve the contingency line and open access if needed.

COMMUNITY MEETING
Incident officials held a virtual Community Meeting on Facebook Thursday night, providing in-depth fire behavior, weather, and operations information. The briefing was recorded and can be seen anytime at https://www.facebook.com/TussockFireInfo

EVACUATIONS LIFTED
The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office lifted evacuations May 13, 2021 for the areas of Fort Misery, Minnehaha, and Horse Thief Basin. All residents in Crown King, Fort Misery, Minnehaha, and Horse Thief Basin should remain in “Ready” Status. Crown King roads remain closed to all non-residents;
https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Fire activity and dry conditions trigger Fire Restrictions in Central and Western Arizona Beginning TODAY May 14, 2021. Information is available at http://wildlandfire.az.gov

PUBLIC LAND CLOSURES:
All BLM and Prescott National Forest lands, roads, and trails in the area of the Tussock Fire are closed. Full closures details are available on the Tussock Fire Inciweb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7472/

Public Information Phone Line (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.): 928-228-0720
Media Information Phone Line: 928-421-4579
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TussockFireInfo
YCSO Phone Line: 928-771-3260


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.