Cellar wildfire outside Prescott prompts evacuation of community

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (AP) - Authorities have ordered the evacuation of a central Arizona community in the wake of an ongoing wildfire.

The Yavapai County Sheriff's office instructed residents in Pine Flat to leave Thursday afternoon as a precaution.

Sheriff's spokesman Christopher Wilson said the order affects roughly 30 residents. He did not know the distance between the fire and Pine Flat, a remote area with rugged terrain.

The lightning-caused fire started Sunday about 16 miles (26 kilometers) south of Prescott. It has since grown to 7,410 acres and is at 18 percent containment.

The blaze is mostly burning through Ponderosa pine and brush.

A Red Cross shelter has been set up at Prescott High School at 1050 Ruth Street.

Forest officials said crews supported by air tankers, fire engines and bulldozers have been constructing containment lines.

Cellar Wildfire updates:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6443
https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF

Yavapai County Emergency Operations Center:
928-771-3321 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)
Ready, Set, Go Information and Code Red Sign Up: ycsoaz.gov
www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff

How you can help:
For a $10 donation, text Red Cross to 90999 or call 1-800-REDCROSS.