Evacuations lifted as Racetrack Fire continues to burn in northern Arizona

CHERRY, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - Mandatory evacuations have been lifted for a small community in northern Arizona where a wildfire has been burning since the weekend.

Sunday night, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for the community of Cherry in the area of Federal Mine Road and West Cherry Creek Road due to the Racetrack Fire, which ignited on Sunday afternoon. Tuesday afternoon, the sheriff’s office said the “Go” status has been rolled back to “Set,” meaning residents can return to their homes. Right now, the area is only open to residents and public safety personnel.

Officials say lightning sparked the Racetrack Fire on Sunday around 1 p.m. It has burned approximately 405 acres and is located 16 miles southeast of Prescott Valley. The U.S. Forest Service says the use of aircraft and firefighters on the ground were effective in slowing the fire’s progression on Monday. Tuesday, crews are expected to scout for natural control features that can be used to stop its progression to the south.

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