Pocket Fire: Evacuations downgraded near Sedona
(previous report): Residents describe 300+ acre wildfire burning near Sedona at 0% containment
The Pocket Fire has expanded to 300 acres near Sedona, leading authorities to close State Route 89A and issue mandatory evacuations for residents. FOX 10's Andrew Christiansen hears from one woman sharing her experience watching massive smoke clouds build over the canyon.
SEDONA, Ariz. - Residents who were evacuated near Sedona due to a wildfire are now allowed to return home.
The Pocket Fire sparked on June 19 and has burned 1,467 acres with 0% containment.
Evacuations
What we know:
Evacuations have been downgraded from "GO" to "SET" for Oak Creek Canyon residents, from Sedona to Forest Highlands. Residents must have proof of identity and residence in order to be permitted to enter the area.
"While conditions have improved to allow this adjustment, residents will continue to see smoke and fire activity for the foreseeable future," the Coconino County Sheriff's Office said.
Road closures
State Route 89A is open only to those who have proof of residency. The highway remains closed to non-residents in both directions between mileposts 374 and 397.
Pocket Fire public meeting to be held
A public meeting on the fire will be held on June 29 at Sedona Red Rock Middle School and High School, located at 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road.
The meeting will also be live-streamed on the Coconino National Forest's Facebook page.
What we don't know:
The cause of the Pocket Fire remains undetermined.
Local perspective:
While some people had to evacuate, one woman chose not to leave.
"It looked pretty ominous, and you could see some of the fire behind the clouds," Tina Reichow said, seeing the Pocket Fire from where she lives in Oak Creek Canyon. "Big giant clouds up north, up the canyon."
Reichow said she chose not to evacuate because the fire went away from her house.
"It puts you on edge… it's like what should I grab?" Reichow said.
What they're saying:
Sedona Fire Department Assistant Chief Jayson Coil says they have a lot of help putting the fire out. Crews have hotshot groups, a dozer, multiple engines, airplanes, and other resources.
"Working to basically paint a continuous line around the head of the fire and that is the primary effort right now is to hold the fire close to its current footprint," Coil said.
"I’m also grateful for the hot shots 'cause I know there are seven hot shot groups up there working now," Reichow said. "They’re awesome."
Big picture view:
But the weather is making it hard to fight the fire.
"It's hot, dry, and windy," Coil said. "The background conditions, there's a drought and the live fuel moisture in the brush and green components, plus the fact that there's not fire history in that area."
Pocket Fire: Massive multi-agency response unites to defend Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon
The Pocket Fire is burning 500 acres north of Sedona. A Southwest Complex Incident Team is taking over as crews brace for a hot, dry and windy weekend.
Dig deeper:
People living in the area like Reichow are just glad to be safe.
"I’m glad to be alive, and I guess to live in a place like this is pretty awesome," Reichow said.
What you can do:
For those who did evacuate, a shelter is open at Red Rock Junior High School in Sedona.
Map of where the evacuation center is located:
Resources
READY – Prepare Now. Be aware of the hazards that can threaten your community.
- Take steps now to prepare for seasonal threats.
- Register with your county/tribal emergency notification system.
- Connect with your local emergency management office, sheriff's office and public health department on social media.
- Make a family evacuation and communication plan that includes family phone numbers, out-of-town contacts and family meeting locations.
- Build an emergency go kit with enough food, water and necessary supplies for at least 72 hours. Include supplies to help keep you and your family healthy, such as face coverings, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Start with the five P’s; people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.
- Check with your neighbors, family, friends and elders through video chats or phone calls to ensure they are READY.
- Keep up to date on local news, weather watches, weather warnings and public health recommendations
SET – Be Alert. Know there is significant danger in your area.
- Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.
- Grab your emergency go kit.
- Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock.
- Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety and public health officials. This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Be SET to GO.
GO! – Evacuate. Danger in your area is imminent and life-threatening.
- Residents should evacuate immediately to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.
- If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand emergency services may not be able to assist you further.
- Follow instructions from emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes and avoid closed areas.
*Information is from Arizona Emergency Information Network (AZ EIN).
The Source: Information in this report was gathered from Sedona Fire Department Assistant Chief Jayson Coil, resident Tina Reichow, and previous FOX 10 reports.