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FLAGSTAFF, AZ (AZFamily) — The Pocket Fire has burned more than 24,100 acres north of Sedona going into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, and two weeks after the fire sparked, firefighters have 31% containment.
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People in the area near Earls Tank and Seven Canyons Golf Club have been told to be prepared to evacuate. For an evacuation status map, click or tap here.
Fire officials said the fight is a long way from being over. Because of the terrain, the most challenging part of the fire needs a heavy monsoon to fully put it out.
People celebrated during the community meeting in Sedona Thursday night as firefighters gained ground on the Pocket Fire.
Dick Fleishman, with the incident command team, said they still need more containment.
He said the north edge of the fire is looking good, but the real problem is the southern side.
“For 100% contained, yeah, it’s probably going to be months,” Fleishman said. “This burning down here we’re not going to put that out because we’re not going to be able to directly engage.”
That’s where the terrain is too rugged for firefighters to get in on the ground, so they’ve been hitting it from the air. Fleishman said it’s going to take a good monsoon storm to fully extinguish the flames.
However, last year’s monsoon was well below average.
“What happens if the monsoon is delayed significantly,” a woman asked during the community meeting.
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“If the fire’s here and burning, and we’re going to keep fighting it,” a fire official said.
Fire officials also acknowledged the heavy smoke, which has created hazardous air quality in Flagstaff, but it’s also aiding firefighters.
“The smoke is actually acting like a cloudy day,” Fleishman said. “It actually keeps the temperature down so we’re not getting direct heat on the fuels.”
He added people should still come up for the Fourth of July holiday as local businesses rely on the tourism revenue. He urged visitors and campers to be fire-safe.
“Please, I know it’s the 250th anniversary, but no fireworks,” Fleishman said. “I’ve been on multiple firework fires before; this is not the time for fireworks.”
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