Latest news with #BradyFire
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Yahoo
Artificial intelligence to be used in Arizona's wildfire defense
The Brief APS and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management gave a behind-the-scenes look at how artificial intelligence is changing the way wildfires are being fought. The agencies say the change will help better protect residents by taking a proactive step toward wildfire management. PHOENIX - Artificial intelligence is giving fire officials and APS a chance to better prevent the spread of fires, and protect the community. John Truett of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management calls it "game-changing" as early detection is key when it comes to battling wildfires. What they're saying "The more we can put our eyes on all these fires, the faster we can possibly get the fires out," Wade Ward of APS said. APS and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management are showcasing new AI technology on March 24 that will help them better detect wildfires, help with response, let them know the fire's behavior, and the potential of that fire. "So we can alert the community ahead of it and the other agencies that are involved in the response," Truett said. There are currently a total of 15 online cameras across the state. By May 1, there will be 30. "To detect the fire, then to model it, then get the worst-case scenario. So, we're looking at the modeling system after the fire starts, and it really gives us not only proximity to our power lines, but all the other assets we have, including communication towers, solar facilities, power plants, sub stations, all of that. It gives us a good idea of where the fire is going and where it could potentially impact our system, which means impact to our customers," Ward said. Why you should care Fire officials are expecting this fire season to be an especially bad one because of how dry the weather's been. That's why this equipment is so important. "It helped a lot because the Brady Fire. That was a fire in February and burned like it would be in May, so it really gave us the idea, and a heads-up, this is going to be extremely bad. We need an immediate response and a heavy response," Truett said.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Evacuations from the Brady Fire are lifted but concerns from Yavapai County residents persist
The Brief Residents in Yavapai County are concerned the Brady Fire is just the start of a long, dangerous, upcoming fire season. They say it's very unusual to see large wildfire activity this early in February. Creating a defensible space around their home is more important than ever. YAVAPAI COUNTY, Ariz. - The "Go" evacuation orders have been lifted for people living in Pine Flats, close to where the Brady Fire is burning. While this is good news for neighbors, it is still unusual wildfire activity for February. Some are concerned about the recent bout of dry weather. As the sun sets on the third day of the firefight in the Brady Fire, residents are now under "Ready" status. While residents aren't required to evacuate, they are on edge about having to evacuate again. What they're saying "It's the driest I've ever seen it. And I've been here for 60 years," said Yavapai County rancher Wayne Allen. Allen says living in the Mayer area comes with its perks but also with some worries when it's wildfire season. This week he watched as flames and smoke from the Brady Fire became visible from his property. "A little troublesome," said Allen. "Especially when the wind's blowing, because if it was to top that ridge, the highest peak over there, within four hours it could be here." Allen has been evacuated from his home in the past, which is an additional hassle when you have livestock and pets. Local perspective He says it's not just the foothills that need to be vigilant about defensible space. "Keep the brush away from your house. People that live in town keep the grass cut, keep the weeds down away from your house. That's the only way you're gonna protect yourself," he said. Allen says there are communities where newer residents need to be aware of the fire risk on their properties just in case history and Mother Nature decide to repeat themselves. The backstory "When the Goodwin Fire, back nine years ago, burned, there wasn't any houses (left)," said Allen. "Now there's a whole bunch of houses, trailers, all that stuff. It could be the same thing." Allen says the lack of rain this winter made for a year-round fire risk. "With it this dry right now, it's just a time bomb waiting to go off," he said. What's next Emergency management officials in Yavapai County say that roadblocks will be removed at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, but at this point there is no further threat to the Pine Flats community.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
'Relatively abnormal' Brady Fire burns 400 acres in Prescott, forces evacuations
A 400-acre fire blazed in the Prescott National Forest, forcing nearby residents in Pine Flats to evacuate. The Brady Fire west of Mayer, Arizona, was at 0% containment Tuesday morning, officials said in a Facebook post. Little growth was reported overnight as cooler temperatures moderated fire behavior, officials said. Smoke was visible in the surrounding communities including Prescott, Chino Valley, Prescott Valley and Crown King. Officials responded to the fire near Pine Flats off Forest Road 67 around 3 p.m. Monday, and by 5:30 p.m., the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office ordered an evacuation of Pine Flats. The Sheriff's Office also closed County Road 177 into Pine Flat. Five crews, 15 engines and one bulldozer were deployed to fight the fire. Officials from the Prescott National Forest and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, as well as the Prescott Hot Shots, were on the scene. Metro Phoenix may see rain this week: Here's when storms could hit, experts say The fire swallowed brush and chaparral, a type of shrub, authorities said in the Facebook post. Ansgar Mitchell, a public information officer with the Forest Service, said that having a fire this early in the year is "relatively abnormal." "(The dryness) is one of the factors," Mitchell said. But other factors, such as the wind, have fueled the fire. Mitchell also mentioned the fire was in a rural, mountainous area. Officials said the cause of the fire was under investigation, but it was not due to a prescribed burn. An approaching storm is expected to deliver gusty southwest winds over the next few days. The storm will bring an increased chance of moisture with possible snow showers on Wednesday, according to officials. The National Weather Service in Flagstaff predicted that scattered snow could fall on Wednesday and Thursday, with the highest chance of snow on Friday, as a low-pressure system moves across Arizona. For current evacuation information please call the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office at 928-771-3260; for assistance in evacuation call 911. For more about the Brady Fire information, please call Ansgar Mitchell, at 928-713-6349. Mitchell recommended residents in the area sign up for Alert Yavapai to receive up-to-date information regarding future wildfires or emergency situations. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Brady Fire burns in Prescott National Forest, forces evacuations
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Brady Fire: Pine Flat residents under evacuation orders in Yavapai County
The Brief Residents of Pine Flat in Yavapai County are told to leave their homes due to the burning Brady Fire. The GO order came in at around 5:20 p.m. on Feb. 10. An evacuation center is at Mayer High School. YAVAPAI COUNTY, Ariz. - The Brady Fire is forcing some Yavapai County residents to evacuate on Monday night. What we know GO orders were issued just before 5:20 p.m. on Feb. 10. "Attention residents of Pine Flats YCU-2174, 2216 this is a GO message from YCSO. The Brady Fire is threatening your area. Please evacuate immediately. If you need assistance evacuating call 911," the sheriff's office said. The fire has burned about 400 acres and is burning grass and brush. What you can do Click here for more information about evac orders from Yavapai County. An evacuation center is at Mayer High School, located at 17300 E Mule Deer Dr, Spring Valley, AZ 86333. You can call the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office at 928-771-3260 for information, or for assistance in evacuations, call 911. Fire Conditions "An approaching storm will deliver gusty southwest winds the next couple of days. There is a chance for increased moisture Tuesday to Wednesday; with a possible chance of snow showers on Wednesday, but the forecast is for little to no accumulation. Firefighters will be using a full suppression strategy to achieve 100 percent containment of the Brady Fire. The cause of the Brady Fire is under investigation," the Prescott National Forest said. What we don't know We don't yet know the cause of the fire.
