Yavapai County Sheriff's Office issues evacuation order as Crooks Fire burns near Prescott

The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents near Mount Union, roughly 10 miles south of Prescott. The order came after a wildfire called the "Crooks Fire" was discovered Monday morning. 

An evacuation center has been set up at Yavapai College, and those who need assistance evacuating can call 928-771-3260 or 911.

YCSO urged those not impacted by the evacuation order to get updates on the fire through its Facebook page or its non-emergency number to keep emergency lines clear.

The National Forest Service said in a release Monday evening that the fire had grown to approximately 500 acres with 0% containment. The agency said the fire's main fuel sources were brush, ponderosa pine and mixed conifer.

Fire crews, engines and aircraft have been suppressing the blaze despite the location's rugged terrain. The cause behind the wildfire remains under investigation as of Monday evening.

Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at 602-444-2474 or perry.vandell@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @PerryVandell.

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