Flagstaff: Pocket Fire Forces Evacuations and Closes SR 89A Between Flagstaff and Sedona
Marcus Whitfield
Highway 89A Shut Down as Wildfire Grows in Oak Creek Canyon
State Route 89A is closed in both directions between Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff and the north end of Sedona due to a fast-moving wildfire known as the Pocket Fire.
The fire was first reported around 5 p.m. on June 19 near East Pocket, an area about seven miles north of Sedona. By Saturday morning, the blaze had grown to 500 acres, according to the Coconino National Forest.
"Evacuations were ordered in Oak Creek Canyon, north of Sedona, as firefighters worked to contain the 500-acre Pocket Fire," officials with the Coconino National Forest said June 20, according to The Arizona Republic.
Mandatory Evacuations for Canyon Residents and Visitors
Coconino County issued a "GO" evacuation order Friday evening for all residents and visitors between Sedona and Forest Highlands. A GO order represents the highest evacuation level and means individuals should leave immediately.
The evacuation zone includes dispersed camping sites around West Fork and nearby locations above the Rim.
The American Red Cross has set up a shelter at Red Rock High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, in Sedona. Coconino County Health and Human Services arranged for High Country Humane to temporarily take small pets while their owners stay at the shelter, according to KNAU.
Massive Firefighting Response Underway
About 200 personnel were working Saturday to contain the wildfire. A Northern Arizona Type 3 Incident Management Team is now in command of the fire response.
Resources assigned to the fire include:
- Seven hotshot crews
- One dozer
- 13 engines
- Six helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft
More personnel were expected to arrive throughout Saturday.
"On Saturday crews planned to use a direct extinguishment strategy to confine the fire to as small an area as possible," KNAU reported.
Firefighters are focused on keeping the wildfire west of SR 89A, south of Forest Road 535, and east of FR 231. Crews are positioned at Slide Rock State Park and Seven Canyons Golf Club to protect homes, businesses, and property in Oak Creek Canyon.
Travel Disruptions and Road Closures
The Arizona Department of Transportation said there was no estimated time for the freeway to reopen as of noon Saturday. The closure affects approximately 23 miles of one of the region's most important travel routes.
Woody Mountain Road, also known as Forest Road 231, is also closed past Forest Road 536.
Officials have released a formal closure order for several areas near the Pocket Fire. It includes all campgrounds and day-use sites in Oak Creek Canyon along with trailheads like Thunder Mountain, Casner, and Loy Canyon.
No Injuries Reported, Cause Unknown
Officials have not reported any injuries or structural damage. The cause of the Pocket Fire has not yet been determined.
Smoke from the incident was visible from Cottonwood, illustrating how fire activity can affect neighboring communities even when they are outside evacuation zones.
Residents and travelers are encouraged to monitor official updates from emergency agencies and the Coconino National Forest fire updates page for the latest information.