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Pocket Fire Burns North of Sedona, Triggers Evacuations and 23‑Mile Closure of SR 89A

Forecast gusty winds could drive rapid spread, challenging crews that are using aircraft and hotshot teams to protect people and roads.

Overview

  • The Pocket Fire ignited north of Sedona on Friday, June 19, in the Red Rock–Secret Mountain Wilderness and grew rapidly in steep terrain.
  • Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for parts of Oak Creek Canyon and dispersed camping areas, and the American Red Cross opened a shelter at Red Rock Junior High School for displaced residents and visitors.
  • State Route 89A is closed for about a 23‑mile stretch between Sedona and the Fort Tuthill/Flagstaff area, with law enforcement turning back traffic and no reopening time given.
  • Fire crews deployed multiple aircraft, two hotshot crews, a dozer and engines to suppress the blaze while initial reports list containment at 0% and acreage estimates range from roughly 100 to 500 acres; no injuries have been reported and the cause remains under investigation.
  • The fire is burning in the same rugged area that suffered the 2014 Slide Fire, making fast spread and limited access a concern and creating likely short‑term impacts on travel, tourism and local evacuations if winds increase.