The annual multi agency Basin Operation Drill is planned for April 12-13, 2024 in the Groom Creek area south of Prescott, Arizona (T 12 ½ N, R2 W, Sec 23). The drill will involve the Prescott National Forest, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, City of Prescott Fire, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Bureau of Land Management and many other emergency response agencies including Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, and several volunteer organizations. The annual basin operations drill provides all participants an opportunity to train together, and test communication systems and equipment in preparation for the upcoming wildfire season.
For training purposes, fire managers will ignite three to six small fires over the two days pending favorable weather conditions. Smoke will be visible in the immediate areas of the burn activity, including portions of Forest Road 79, Forest Road 80, Senator Highway, and Whispering Pines Camp. In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to obey all traffic signs and use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the prescribed fire burn units as firefighters and fire-related traffic will be in the area.
Media who would like to attend the live fire portion of the drill on Friday, April 12, 2024 will need to contact Prescott NF Fire Prevention Specialist Ansgar Mitchell at (928) 713-6349 by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
For fire information please call (928) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter/X