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Pocket Fire Burns North of Sedona, Closes State Route 89A

Hot, dry winds and steep canyon terrain are limiting containment and raising the likelihood the blaze will grow.

Overview

  • The Pocket Fire ignited on June 19 about seven miles north of Sedona in the Red Rock–Secret Mountain Wilderness and has burned in steep, remote canyon country.
  • As of the June 21 incident update, InciWeb listed the fire at roughly 293 acres with 0% containment and about 302 personnel assigned, though some local reports put acreage nearer 500 acres.
  • Mandatory 'GO' evacuations are in effect for parts of Oak Creek Canyon and dispersed camping areas, and an American Red Cross shelter is open at Red Rock High School.
  • State Route 89A is closed for more than 20 miles between Sedona and Fort Tuthill, travel is heavily disrupted, and Woody Mountain Road (FR 231) is also closed.
  • A large multi-agency response is using hotshot crews, dozers, engines and widespread aircraft drops of retardant, supported by a Temporary Flight Restriction and Lake Mary water-source closure as managers try to hold lines against gusty, dry conditions.