Groom Creek Fire District

06/20/2026

SPRUCE FIRE – South Spruce Mountain Area

This morning, we were made aware of a small amount of smoke visible in the South Spruce Mountain area. Numerous 911 calls were received by the Prescott Regional Communications Center, and lookout cameras in the area helped pinpoint the location of the smoke.

Responding units arrived on scene and located a small fire estimated at approximately 0.1 acre. Crews from the U.S. Forest Service responded and will remain on scene. We will provide updates as they become available.

We would like to thank our community for their vigilance in reporting the smoke. Early reporting plays a critical role in keeping small fires from becoming large incidents.

If you see smoke, fire, or smell smoke, please do not hesitate to dial 911 immediately.

None

06/20/2026

BEAR SIGHTING IN LOMA ESTATES

Groom Creek Fire District has received reports of a bear sighting this evening in the Loma Estates area.

Bears are a natural part of life in the Bradshaw Mountains, and we encourage residents to help keep both people and wildlife safe by reducing attractants around their homes.

✅ Secure trash and recycling containers
✅ Remove pet food and clean grills after use
✅ Keep camps and yards clean
✅ Never approach, feed, or attempt to interact with bears
✅ Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance

If you observe a bear or have concerns regarding bear activity, please report the sighting to the Arizona Game & Fish Department Dispatch Center at 623-236-7201.

Please remain aware of your surroundings, keep pets on leash when outside, and help us keep our community safe for both residents and wildlife.

06/18/2026

Seeing or smelling smoke? We have been made aware of the Knapp Fire, located off Big Bug Mesa Road, east of the Walker Community. Personnel from Walker Fire, the U.S. Forest Service, and cooperating agencies are currently on scene, along with aerial resources, working to contain the fire.

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the link below.

https://share.watchduty.org/i/103454?ts=1781804093000

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as appropriate.

7100 Block of S Big Bug Mesa Rd, Prescott

06/15/2026

⚡️ LIGHTNING SAFETY REMINDER ⚡️

With lightning activity increasing in the area, Groom Creek Fire District would like to remind residents and visitors to stay alert and practice lightning safety.

Remember, if you see smoke, fire, smell smoke, or have any emergency, dial 911 immediately.

When thunderstorms are in the area:

• Move indoors or into a fully enclosed vehicle.
• Avoid open fields, ridgelines, and exposed areas.
• Stay away from tall trees, metal fences, and other conductive objects.
• Postpone outdoor activities until at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
• If you are hiking or recreating in the forest, have a plan to quickly seek shelter if a storm develops.

Lightning can also ignite wildfires. After a storm passes, remain vigilant and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately.

🚨 If you see smoke, fire, smell smoke, or have any emergency, dial 911 immediately. Early reporting helps firefighters respond quickly and prevent small fires from becoming large incidents.

Stay weather aware, stay safe, and help protect our community and forests.

06/13/2026

🐻 BEAR ACTIVITY IN THE AREA 🐻

Groom Creek Fire District has received multiple reports of bear activity throughout the Groom Creek, Spruce Mountain, Mt. Tritle, and Oak Knoll communities. As bears become more active throughout the area, we encourage residents and visitors to take steps to reduce attractants and help keep both our community and local wildlife safe.

Most human-bear conflicts occur when bears gain access to food sources associated with people, such as garbage, bird feeders, pet food, grills, and other outdoor attractants. Once a bear associates people with food, it is more likely to return to residential areas.

✅ BEAR SAFETY TIPS:
• Secure garbage in a garage, shed, or bear-resistant container whenever possible.
• Place trash out on the morning of collection, not the night before.
• Remove bird feeders when bears are active in the area.
• Keep pet food and water indoors and remove any uneaten food.
• Clean outdoor grills after each use and store them in a secure location.
• Pick up fallen fruit and avoid leaving food, coolers, or scented items outdoors.
• Never approach, feed, or intentionally attract a bear.
• Keep dogs on a leash while hiking and recreating in bear country.

🐾 REMEMBER:
A fed bear is often a dead bear. By removing food sources and attractants around your home, you help prevent bears from becoming dependent on people and help keep wildlife wild.

📞 Bear sightings in areas of human activity can be reported to the Arizona Game & Fish Department Dispatch Center at 623-236-7201.

For more information on living with bears, visit the Arizona Game & Fish Department's bear awareness resources.

06/12/2026

🐻 Lower Wolf Creek Campground Temporary Closure Due to Bear Activity 🐻

The Prescott National Forest has temporarily closed Lower Wolf Creek Campground due to increased bear activity. If you’re planning to camp, hike, or recreate in the Wolf Creek or Groom Creek areas, please stay alert and practice proper food storage and campsite cleanliness to help prevent human-wildlife encounters.

Please see the information from the Prescott National Forest below for details on the closure and important bear safety tips.

Due to increased bear activity, the Prescott National Forest has temporarily closed Lower Wolf Creek Campground. Visitors should be aware of bear activity throughout the area, including Upper Wolf Creek Campground and Groom Creek Schoolhouse. In recent years, there have also been bear sightings at Lynx Campground, although there have not been any encounters yet this year.
Please be mindful of securing food when not being prepared or monitored. Keep a clean campsite, day and night. Wash dishes ASAP, strain out food particles from dishwater and pack them with your garbage. Do not burn food in campfires, as residue can attract wildlife. Be careful about food residue on any clothes that will be in your tent!
Please also be mindful of strongly-scented items such as gum, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, baby wipes, and other items which may smell like food to a bear. Treat these items as you would food and keep in your vehicle or other wildlife-proof container.
The Forest is currently working to install bearproof trash cans and dumpsters in areas with high bear activity. Please ensure the lids are fully closed and secure. For any trash that exceeds the capacity of the provided bins/dumpsters, we are asking visitors to please pack it out.
For information on other areas to camp, please visit www.recreation.gov.

06/06/2026

🚩 RED FLAG WARNING ISSUED FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2026 🚩

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Prescott area, including the Groom Creek Fire District, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM MST on Sunday.

Forecast conditions include:
💨 Southwest winds of 15–25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph
🔥 Critical fire weather conditions
🌵 Relative humidity as low as 5–15%

These conditions can cause any fire start to spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

As a reminder:
• Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in effect.
• Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited unless enclosed with an approved spark arrestor device. Fires of this type are PROHIBITED on Forest Service land.
• Propane or LPG-fueled appliances equipped with an on/off valve may still be used.
• Avoid activities that could create sparks or ignite dry vegetation.
• Properly secure trailer chains and avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.

If you see smoke or fire, dial 911 immediately.

Groom Creek Fire District personnel will be closely monitoring conditions throughout the day and stand ready to respond as needed. Please do your part to help prevent wildfires and keep our community safe.

06/04/2026

2026 GROOM CREEK CLASSIC REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

The trails are calling, and the 2026 Groom Creek Classic is ready for another incredible year in the Bradshaw Mountains!

Whether you're chasing a personal record, tackling your first trail race, or simply looking for an unforgettable morning in the pines, there's a distance for everyone.

Register here! https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/Prescott/groomcreekhalf

The 23nd Annual Groom Creek Classic: 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k Run is on Saturday September 19, 2026. It includes the following events: 1/2 Marathon, 10k Run, 5k Run, and Fun Run.

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

⚠️ GOLDWATER LAKE CLOSURE NOTICE ⚠️

The City of Prescott Recreation Services Department has announced upcoming temporary closures at Goldwater Lake due to roadway improvement and repaving work.

📅 Full Closure Dates:
Goldwater Lake will be fully closed from Monday, June 15, 2026 through Friday, June 26, 2026.

🚧 Additional Temporary Closure:
Goldwater Lake will also be temporarily closed today, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in preparation for the project.

Please plan accordingly and use caution when traveling in the area. We appreciate everyone’s patience as these improvements are completed.

For additional information, please contact the City of Prescott Recreation Services Administration Division at (928) 777-1121.

Goldwater Lake Closure for Roadway Improvement Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESCOTT, AZ (May 26, 2026) - The City of Prescott Recreation Services Department is notifying the public of upcoming temporary closures at Goldwater Lake due to roadway improvement work.

Goldwater Lake will be fully closed Monday, June 15, 2026, through Friday, June 26, 2026, to allow for repaving of the entrance and exit roads to the park.

In preparation for the project, Goldwater Lake will also be temporarily closed on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For questions or additional information, please contact the Recreation Services Administration Division at 928-777-1121.

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