Goodwin Fire: Gov. Ducey Declares State of Emergency

Gov. Doug Ducey has declared a state of emergency in response to the ever-growing Goodwin Fire. The fire, which has burned more than 20,000 acres since it started on Saturday, has forced evacuations and road closures.

The governor's declaration directs additional resources be made available for fire suppression efforts. The Goodwin Fire is one of more than one dozen wildfires that have burned in the state since the beginning of April.

"We thank the many brave men and women who have stepped up and responded to wildfires around Arizona," Ducey said. "I'm issuing today's declaration to make sure they have every resource needed to do their jobs and protect our communities.

"Public safety is our top priority, and we will continue to coordinate with state and local emergency response officials to keep Arizonans safe." (Subscribe to local news alerts on Patch).

The issue of safety has been at the forefront of the minds of people leading the fire suppression efforts, which is located south of Prescott but is moving in that direction.

It was just four years ago this Friday that 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots died on a hill while fighting the Yarnell Hill Wildfire.

Firefighters have been told by officials that "Nothing is worth you getting hurt."

The fire - which jumped the highway and more than tripled in size on Tuesday - went from being five percent contained to one percent contained.

Officials say the fire is burning in chaparral and ponderosa pine south and west of the junction at Senator Highway and County Road 177.

They say it is being fueled by high temperatures; low humidity; high winds, dense, dry, and thick vegetation; and steep, and rugged terrain.

Much of the area has grown untouched for more than 40 years, adding more fuel to the fire.

There have been multiple evacuations.

They include the area north of the Goodwin-Mayer Road/County Road 177, and west of Highway 69, from Mayer to south of Poland Junction.

Highway 69 was closed due to smoke and visibility at mid-afternoon between I-17 and Highway 169.

The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office has also ordered the evacuations of Poland Junction Proper, Chapparal Hills, and the Breezy Pines subdivision.

A shelter has been set up at Bradshaw Mountain High School at 6000 East Long Look Drive in Prescott Valley.

Watch: Wildfires Force Evacuations In Arizona, Colorado

Photo Arizona Governor's Office