Fire Crews Brace for High Winds as Pocket Fire Expands Near Sedona
Firefighters are intensifying their efforts to manage the rapidly spreading Pocket Fire, situated approximately seven miles north of Sedona. The blaze has now engulfed over 1,180 acres and remains completely uncontained.
As meteorologists from the National Weather Service predict wind gusts ranging from 40 to 50 miles per hour over the weekend, the situation is becoming increasingly precarious. Such strong winds threaten to carry embers from the steep, burning slopes beyond the containment lines, potentially igniting new fires.
In preparation for these challenging conditions, fire crews have been strategically burning forest land northwest of the fire. Dick Fleishman, a spokesperson for the fire response team, explains, “This is going to test us and it’s going to be pins and needles for everyone. But that’s why we started lighting these fires days in advance. So we’re just kind of creating a catcher’s mitt for when it starts throwing us embers.”
The western side of the fire is of particular concern, as officials aim to prevent it from crossing the Mogollon Rim, which could lead the flames towards Flagstaff. Meanwhile, the eastern perimeter near Oak Creek Canyon has shown less activity. Fleishman notes, “We fly infrared flights and that east side has very little heat close to the line. That doesn’t mean these winds won’t kick something up and push it that way,” providing a cautiously optimistic outlook for the upcoming days.
Community members will have the chance to receive updates on the Pocket Fire at an informational meeting scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. at Sinagua Middle School in Flagstaff. The session will also be accessible via livestream on the Coconino National Forest Facebook page.
Residents of Oak Creek Canyon are advised to remain on “Set” status, meaning they should be ready to evacuate if necessary. Moreover, State Route 89-A and the surrounding area of the fire remain off-limits to the public.
—
Read More Arizona News
