(Update 10:02am: First passes with Air Tankers/Slurry Bombers were successful, all available tankers, 7 total, have been ordered to the area)
(Update 9:54am: Slurry Bombers have begun making passes at the Gladiator Fire, also we should have a fire map posted to the site within the hour)
Good morning everyone. I just wanted to start off and say thank you to all the people that are reading our blog. Since the start of the Gladiator Fire in Crown King we have had over 6,000 unique visitors to our site. We appreciate your support for the town and for the firefighters working hard to save Crown King. Thank you for sharing our site on facebook and for commenting at the bottom of the posts, we read every comment.
The Gladiator Fire grew significantly over the last 24 hours and is now estimated between 5,500 and 6,000 acres. It is still only 5% contained. The majority of this growth is in the uninhabited areas of the Prescott National Forest North of town. As we mentioned in our update last night, fire crews have changed strategies and pulled off the immediate fire lines. They have pulled back to roads around the North side of town and are hoping to use them to create larger fire lines in hopes that when the fire reaches them they will be prepared to stop it from advancing and crossing the road.
The main focus of fighting today is still the area around Bear Creek Canyon and trying to keep the fire from racing up the canyon which would put the communications towers on the Wildfire and Towers Mountain at risk. Power is still out in town and propane trucks were heading up to Crown King to refill the generators at these communication sites to keep them operational.
Today is going to be the windiest day this week and crews will be fighting the fire hard. Wind gusts are expected to top 30mph, with an increase in wind speeds tomorrow. This has created another Red Flag Warning for the crews on the mountain.
Two Type 1 Helicopters have already been requested to fight the fire near the communication towers. Air Tankers (Slurry Bombers) have not yet started making passes this morning, but they are hoping to get them in the air soon. The focus of Incident Command is still to protect the towers and the town, which is why we are seeing the fire grow North unchecked. The Gladiator Fire is reported to be within 1/8th mile of some homes on the outskirts of town. This is most likely the cabins that are scattered along the road past the Gladiator Mine.
Another meeting is scheduled for tonight at 6pm for the community of Crown King. If you wish to attend it is being held at the same place, Mayer High School. If you are interested in watching it streamed live, the last few nights Channel 3 and Channel 15 have streamed it.
Check back often for updates.
Here is video of Channel 3’s coverage this morning on the Gladiator Fire:
Thanks for providing the regular updates. It is very helpful to be able to stay in touch with the progress and the maps are particularly helpful when you can get them. My property is directly adjacent and east of the Gladiator mine property with the group of you that have property at the Fairview, Estee, Budd & Alexandra mining claims. It sure looks like the fire has swept throught that area and is continuing heading north until it runs out of fuel.
The good news is that Crown King is getting lots of publicity, which will likely draw people to the area after this nightmare is over.
Thanks,
Phil
Thank you for keeping us informed. I come to this website
for reliable information. Where can I find out if any of the residents of Crown
King need anything? We want to help, we have called Mayer to see if they need
anything, but they have said they are well stocked. I am sure some of the residents are in need of
personal items or food for their pets. If anybody could point me in the right
direction I would appreciate it. I am sending lots of love and prayers to Crown
King and everyone involved in keeping this wonderful town safe.
All donation information is available at http://www.crownkingca.org
I was at the meeting last night in Spring Valley at Mayer High School and they were accepting pet supply donations there and referring people to Prescott Valley to Bradshaw Mnt. High for further donations, I only heard of the need for water for the firefighters.
Thank you Kelly! I will call Mayer High School to see what I can get for the pets. I will also start getting some water! If anybody else knows if other people are in need of anything please post. My family and I are meeting Sat. so we can bring items up North.
I am going to be atypical but as a full timer in Crown King (15 years) who stands to lose everything I (we) own, I only care that those I love (Ray, Monte, Cindi, Joe, etc. r saFE) I am sobbing for my mountain, PLEASE dont let me mourn you.
Bev
Thank you for keeping us all updated on the fire and how everyone is holding up through this difficult time. My mamma, Doris and my nephew, Charles and friends are holding up in Cleater until this nightmare is over and y’all can return home. I pray for every Crown King resident and will do what I can to help when the time comes. I spoke to Charles and thank the Universe he and my mamma and other loved ones are safe. It is heartbreaking to know they had to leave their mountain, but I am relieved that those who held out till they absolutely had to leave yesterday. Y’all are in the prayers of many of us here in New Mexico, especially mine. I know how important that beautiful piece of earth is to all who live in CK. Prayers for those few still holding up in CK area and the firefighters battling the unpredictable blaze. Much love and positive thoughts sent to all.
Blessings,
Sharon
Hang in there! I’m praying for you guys and my family’s place (Spud Ranch on Tower’s Mountain) from Atlanta, GA.
My husband and Iwould like to thank all the fire fighters for all the dangerous work they are doing to prevent loss of life and personal peoperty. Whatever happens, we know they are doing their best at all times. We pray for the safety of everyone that is involved in the fight and all those that are helping others deal with the hardship and worry this fire is causing.