Another fire in Sedona: Brins Mesa Fire above Sedona

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Oh, gosh, the poor firefighters in the Southwest....we are not catching any breaks this week.

A third fire. This one serious enough to prompt Type 1 Fire crews.

The fire is in Brins Mesa/Wilson Mountain area.

Original fire estimates were 300 acres, this afternoon, and the current report is 3000. (but just heard maybe it is closer to 1000....steep cliffs make the estimate hard to gather)

The fire is hopping along and the fear is that overnight the fire will climb into the Oak Creek Canyon area, near Slide Rock Park.

Evacuations are happening. The areas that were told first to evacuate were in the Soldier Pass Area, north of the Casa Contenta development and all home north of Navahopi Rd. in Uptown Sedona. From what I hear they are strongly urging Oak Creek Canyon residents/businesses to get out as a precaution, as there is only one road in and out of the Canyon.

Hwy 89 A is closed from Uptown to Flagstaff.

The fire might threaten homes in the Oak Creek Canyon area if the fire is not contained at the ridge line.

The word (unofficial) is that an illegal campfire is the cause.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

I just found this report on the Coconino Fire Incident Report page:

Brins Fire - June 18, 2006 - 7:30 p.m.
The Brins Fire started this afternoon about 1:30 p.m. 1 mile north of subdivisions on Jordan Road and and Soldier's Pass Road, in the north end of Sedona.
Residents in the subdivisions of Cibola Hills, Rim Shadows, Painted Cliffs, Shadow Rock Circle, Casa Contente and residents in Oak Creek Canyon south of Indian Gardens are being evacuated to an evacuation center at West Sedona School. Evacuees from north of Indian Gardens are being sent to a Red Cross Evacuation Center at the NAU Field House in Flagstaff. About 500 homes and businesses have been evacuated. For emergency and shelter information call 928-679-4175.
Soldier's Pass Road, Jordan Road are closed. Highway 89A is blocked at Oak Creek Vista on the north end of Oak Creek Canyon as well as just north of Sedona. Trails and trailheads closed: Vultee Arch and Wilson Mountain Trails.
Campgrounds and businesses in Oak Creek Canyon are closed.
Currently the fire is approximately 3000 acres and growing. Winds are blowing north-northeast. The fire has spread across Brins Mesa and Wilson Mountain in the south end of Secret Mountain Wilderness. The fire has spread to the western edge of Oak Creek Canyon

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Fire is reported as 5% contained.

Moved away from Brins Mesa, into Secret Mountain Southeast area, behind Wilson Mtn.

Is now topping a ridge, that leads down into Oak Creek Canyon near the Slide Rock State Park.

Fire fighters are giving it all. Original estimates have been recalculated to currently show around 1200 acres are in blaze, but it continues to change in size and location.

The blaze continues to move and climb and move northeast.

Preparedness alerts have been sent to Munds Park, Kachina Village and other areas just north of the blaze, near Flagstaff.

The residents are still evacuated from the original areas in Sedona and 89A is still closed in the Oak Creek Canyon area.

The fire danger now is that at night, when the winds shift, the fire will begin to go down the ridge toward Oak Creek and Slide Rock. The creek is too small to act as a natural break and the fire could jump it and climb up the opposing ridge.

Smoke is heavy in the area.

God bless and keep our fire fighting crews.

[shaggy Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close shaggy]

This leaves a sick feeling in my stomach. Good luck and God Bless, shaggy

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Yes, Shaggy, the smoke we have witnessed brings a sick feeling...today we couldn't believe how dark and dense it got, our fear was that it hit the homes or Slide Rock State Park...it is near Hwy 89A right now in Oak Creek Canyon.

The hope is that they will be able to use the wind and the fire breaks and that this stop fire from hitting the homes near Slide Rock State Park. Right now there is a finger of fire very close to the homes and the road.

We continue to keep our thoughts with the many people directly involved: residents, firefighters, air crews. Please keep good thoughts for them all.

[gophish Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close gophish]

Here's once again hopeing that things will calm down out there and that no one gets hurt. These fires are bad news, they have been talking about the Sedona blazes and some others in California on the news over here in NY.
Hope that they get the fires controlled and out soon.
Katiemack, stay safe.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Yes, Ken, the fires are blazing all over the West.

A 6000 acre fire in California near Santa Maria.
A 3000 acre fire in Colorado. Texas.

Yesterday I heard that there are 9 wildfires in our state...I haven't confirmed this.

The morning report on this Brins Fire: now the fire is close to the Highway 89A...estimating it to be around 300-600 feet away. The winds did bring the fire to "lay down" somewhat last night as the winds die down in the cool night, but the fear is that the fire is going to make it to Hwy 89 A around noon today. This cooling of air, however, has the effect of bringing some fire downslope and along with it almost all of the smoke.

The good news is that the Type 1 fire crews are finally in the canyon to face the fire. Over 750 men and women are battling the blaze.

The smoke has spread all over the general area of Sedona and south and east....it is very hazy at the moment.

The fire must be fought at the ground level, for the air tankers cannot get into the canyon....it is too smokey, and they would be flying in the blind. However, water Sikorski heli-drops are being made, I hear that the copters can dump 2000 gallons of water (a precious commodity in the SW).

The fire walls that have been made seem to be very encouraging, and the fight is expected to be in the north (just below Slide Rock State Park) and on the east perimeter (at the highway).

This is a critical day. If they can keep the fire on the west side of the highway, and keep it from jumping...avoiding the climb east up to I-17 and Munds Park....they have bought precious time, bringing it closer to tomorrow's hope: which is that tomorrow brings the wind shift, which is the winds blowing from the Northeast to help to bring the fire to burn back on itself. As there is not that much fuel behind the fire, this is the best case scenario.

Sedona is open for business, and tourists are coming in...but can you believe there are folks who are asking tour companies to "take me to where I can see the fire"? So that they can see it up closer and take photos! What is that about....is it just a side show for some folks? There are lives (human and animal) at stake here....there are people's precious history and homes threatened....how on earth is this a "tourist attraction"?

The sickening thing is that some tour companies are obliging them.....the almighty dollar wins over common decency.

Not to mention that if things shift dramatically, the need for clear traffic paths might become desperately needed.

Yes, there are some people who have refused to evacuate, and are staying in their homes or business in Oak Creek Canyon. This is either a testament to trust in God and the firefighters or a testament to the completely inane....in a canyon, one should heed the advice of the professionals....get out, now. Some lessons are never learned from history (Katrina??).

Here it is June 21....at least 3 to 4 weeks away from our rainy season, and we have had 3 fires in the Sedona area in just 16 days. No signs of any rain on the horizon.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Well, so much for hoping for noon time....there was just an announcement that the fire has hit 89A, they have stated it is burning 1/2 mile along the highway and that the crews are trying to create more defensible space around Slide Rock State Park. The fire is up to Encinosa Picnic/Camp area.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

For anyone who might want to visit Northern Arizona, Coconino Forest to enjoy the area, you should know the following:

Forest Closures:
As fire danger increases across the Southwest the Coconino National Forest will close to public access and use Friday morning, June 23, at 8 a.m.

Effective Friday, the Coconino National Forest will close to public access. Conditions have warranted closure of the entire national forest. Closures in the past have proven to be an effective means of reducing the number of human-caused fires.
Included in the Coconino closures:

• All campgrounds, day use picnic areas and cabins on the forest.
• All trails on the Coconino National Forest.
• All lakes, including Lake Mary, Ashurst Lake, Kinnikinick Lake, Blue Ridge Reservoir, Stoneman Lake.
• Cinder Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area north of Flagstaff.
• St. Joseph’s Youth Camp near Mormon Lake.
• Arizona Snowbowl Skyride.
• All National Forest System Roads will be closed, but all interstates, state and county roads through the Coconino National Forest will remain open.

Sedona and Flagstaff still offer many summer attractions and activities.Private campgrounds and the campground at FortTuthillCountyPark near Flagstaff will remain open with campfire and smoking restrictions. All Forest Service offices and visitor centers will be open. The closure will be lifted when sufficient precipitation is received to adequately reduce the risk of wildfire to a manageable level, and hot, dry weather conditions are not forecast to continue.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Well, so much for hoping for noon time....there was just an announcement that the fire has hit 89A, they have stated it is burning 1/2 mile along the highway and that the crews are trying to create more defensible space around Slide Rock State Park. The fire is up to Encinosa Picnic/Camp area.

Oh geez.

You are constantly in my thoughts these days. DH asked last night if I had heard from you. He was concerned for both you and the area, as are we all.

I hope they can get this under control soon. Praying for the right conditions for the crews that are fighting this blaze and others out west.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Thanks, Lawren,
I am one who believes every good thought that is sent out to these firefighters helps them brave the battle...thanks for adding yours, and thanks to your DH, too!

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Tonight's update:
The fire is still along Hwy 89A but the fight has been good holding it west of the road, and it has not jumped.

There have been no structures hurt as of this hour, and fire fighters are doing all they can to make lines and contain the fire.

The residents in the areas of Soldiers Pass Road and Navahopi area, which is south of the original start area, are now allowed back into their homes, as the fire has moved North, East and over the ridges into the Canyon.

Flagstaff continues to be at preparedness levels, and the firefight continues on all fronts: helio, plane, ground.

The hope is that the fire will lay down and that the winds will help tonight, and as crews work through the night they can see the fire burn back on itself.

The bad news is that the rugged terrain, the craggy areas where the brush and fire are on the mountains will probably be fuel for the fire for weeks and we should anticipate seeing flames and smoke for several weeks.

The fight will go on until it is contained, and then it will be monitored....they will hope and pray that monsoon season comes in and finishes the job.

Overall it has been a good day so far. And encouraging news to many.

The 400 homes and businesses in the Oak Creek Canyon area are still evacuated as of this evening.

Praise goes to outstanding teams who coordinated and are fighting this event. Many of the men and women would love but they continue to work the fire and deserve our heartfelt appreciation.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

The east wall of the fire, the one area near the Hwy has managed to be held back, not jumping the roadway....good news as that is where most of the homes are, on that other side.

The north side of the fire, up the canyon has jumped the Sterling Canyon area, and now the fire fighters are working on making another line to stop the fire at that northern edge....if the fire can be held back at the north, there is a good chance that Flagstaff area will not be affected by the fire. The crews are moving and focusing on that area now, while the heli and planes continue to monitor and drop over the whole fire.

There was a meeting for residents twice yesterday....the firefighters and community leaders are handling this with great integrity...keeping in touch with the families most affected.

Today they will be conducting escorted van trips into the area to bring residents who didn't have time to take things during evacuation back to their homes to get some much needed items....but the area is still threatened and they must remain evacuated in the eastern Oak Creek region.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

The fire is less intense, and it is starting to look like there is hope for containment: it is 15% contained.

The smoke level is very high however, and the Coconino Health Department has issued smoke advisory for the area. People who have sensitivity (i.e. lung conditions, young children, etc) should be aware that the air has been deemed unhealthy. It is ill-advised to do heavy exertion (jogging included). The county warns to stay indoors with air conditioning with air intake off...using evaporative (swamp) coolers is not advised.

The worry is that there are expected dry thunderstorms coming. If the storms move in, the firefighters fear the winds will bring in havoc....rekindling and spreading the fire. There is also fear of dry lightning.

Other forest areas in the state are being closed or partially closed. For folks who want to hike or camp, they should be sure to verify that it is open for such activity. The Coconino forest is totally closed. The reason is to avoid the likelihood of another human started fire.

The fires that are burning are less visible from the Sedona main highways and Airport Road....the fires are behind Wilson Mtn or atop its ridge or in the Sterling Canyon area. Thankfully it has not breached Hwy 89A in the canyon....the residents there are still evacuated.

Reports are the hotels and businesses are beginning to feel the effects of a reduction in tourism. All businesses and hotels are fully operational.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Anne, I know you posted a thank you for the updates, but your post got lost....so again, I am saying thanks for your good thoughts. We need them.

Here is the latest:
Brins Fire continues but hopes are high. We didn't have any dry lightning overnight, and we still are alert to the possibility today and tomorrow...winds will be more of the problem if storms build.

Over 4200 acres has burned. Heli-rapellers are going down into remote areas to control hot spots. The Northern edge of the fires are being worked and the western edge is being monitored and worked by crews. Hwy 89 A was reopened from Halfway Picnic area north to Flagstaff for residents and businesses only. Below Halfway Picnic area Hwy 89A remains closed except to Fire traffic.

The point of origin for the wildland fire is closed to public access. An $11,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the wildland fire. The number to call is 928-527-3600.


The smoke is worst during night and early morning hours.

Statistics:
approx. 35% containment, with hopes of full containment by Wed. June 28

Crews: 18 Helicopters: 8 Engines:
34 Water tenders: 15 Total Personnel: 777
Other resources continue to arrive. Costs to Date: $ 4,000,000.

Forest is still closed and we saw a Forest Service truck round up around 15 people who disobeyed this closing. Penalties for violation of this closure range from $100 to $5,000....in a way this is so sad, as I can feel for the many people who come to Sedona longing to see its beauty, hike its trails....some waited years, and now, they are forbidden access.

Closures in the past have proven to be an effective means of reducing the number of human-caused fires.
Included in the Coconino NF closures:

• All campgrounds, day use picnic areas and cabins on the forest.
• All trails on the Coconino National Forest.
• All lakes, including Lake Mary, Ashurst Lake, Kinnikinick Lake, Blue Ridge Reservoir, Stoneman Lake.
• Cinder Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area north of Flagstaff.
• St. Joseph’s Youth Camp near Mormon Lake.
• Arizona Snowbowl Skyride.

All National Forest System Roads will be closed, but all interstates, state and county roads through the Coconino National Forest will remain open.

The firefighters are being thanked all over the city. Signs are posted saying "Thank YOU!" The firefighters have shown such commitment to protecting the beauty of Sedona, property and lives and last night one firefighter said: " To stay with your crew, to fight the fire, to hold the line and to know when you end your day, nobody was hurt...today was a good day!"

God bless them!