A collaborative effort involving federal and local agencies is underway to tackle the Pocket Fire, which has engulfed around 500 acres of challenging terrain near Oak Creek Canyon, according to Dick Fleishman, who is the fire information officer for the southwest area complex incident management team.
Situated approximately 7 miles north of Sedona, the fire is mainly burning in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain wilderness area, but it has gradually spread into the Coconino National Forest.
Firefighting teams are focused on containing the blaze to prevent its advance towards Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona. Evacuations have already been ordered for residents and tourists in Oak Creek Canyon, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Several factors make the Pocket Fire particularly challenging, Fleishman noted, including the steep terrain, the proximity of properties at risk, the high temperatures firefighting crews are enduring, and the threat of post-fire flooding due to potential rain.
“This fire ramped up in complexity quickly,” Fleishman stated. “We want to try and keep it as small a footprint as possible.”
Authorities have shut down about 30 miles of the nearby state highway in both directions. Oak Creek Canyon, a popular destination drawing millions annually, has seen evacuations, marking an unusual quietness in the area.
“For June 20,” Fleishman reflected on his journey through the region, “I’ve never seen it that quiet.”
