It’s unfortunate that even though camping and fires are ALWAYS banned in Oak Creek Canyon (outside of the developed recreation sites), the local fire organizations are constantly challenged by careless forest visitors who choose to ignore the regulations.

However, these agencies – municipal Fire Departments in Sedona and Flagstaff, Forest Service, and State and County organizations – understand this challenge and work together all year round to ensure that their emergency responses are seamless.

The fact that no structures were lost is because of the Sedona Fire Department’s quick response. Though municipal fire departments focus mainly on homes and wildland firefighters work in the forest, municipal firefighters will engage in the forest (if situations are safe enough) until wildland resources arrive. In addition, had the Forest Service not conducted the thinning treatments in the area, this fire would have behaved much differently. Were it not for the efforts of the fire departments and Forest Service prior to and during those first critical hours, we could all be in a much more devastating situation right now.

We are often asked why fires like this aren’t just “put out while it’s small.” Firefighter safety is always the #1 priority. Period. We won’t compromise their safety by putting them in a risky situation. Keep in mind, however, that most fires in this area are extinguished while they’re small. In fact, the public doesn’t hear about 90% of the fires because they’re contained so quickly. Much credit is due to local responders for those efforts.

An incident like this always stirs emotions, and everyone has some healing to do. We urge you all to continue to work together as a community to prepare for the post-fire effects of the Slide Fire, and please help each other and the local agencies prevent devastating wildfire by informing neighbors and visitors about the dangers whenever you have the chance. Every person in the forest has a responsibility to take care of it, and residents can do their part by creating defensible space around their own property. Being Firewise improves not only the safety of your property, but neighboring properties and nearby forest as well… not to mention the safety of the firefighters.

Thank you for all your support of the Southwest Incident Management Team. We’ve been honored to serve this community.

If there is a fire on USFS land does Sedona Fire Department start putting out the fire and apologize later or wait for the forest service to arrive? Just curious?

There is hope!

I’m of the mind set that our fire chief is a wee bit busy to answer foolish questions. You ask “I would like to know why there were no burning restrictions when this fire started?” Unless you’re home bound or really live in another state or perhaps some cave, you obviously you have no clue, do you?

Anyone who’s driven on 89A west to Cottonwood can’t miss the big sign saying that NO FIRES are allowed. While I don’t do it often, 2 weeks ago, I drove to Flag and back and those colored signs advising the fire warnings are in the red zone. I would think that those 3 signs alone would advise any normal person that no open fires are allowed. But, since it appears that you’ll feel better blaming someone, go ahead and blame the fire chief.

When you write: “I learned today that people had big bonfires going in the canyon a day before this fire started and why was that allowed”. Why are you asking the fire chief, my I suggest you ask the USFS.

My question to you: why not have those people who told you about witnessing “bonfires” in the canyon go report it to the USFS. I’m sure that they would want to know. Yesterday, I heard that whomever it is that’s responsible for being so stupid and careless, WILL BE DOING SOME HEAVY PRISON TIME. One can only hope.

I would like to know why there were no burning restrictions when this fire started? I learned today that people had big bonfires going in the canyon a day before this fire started and why was that allowed?

Poor forest management by the Sedona Fire District and the Forest Service? No rain and no water due to drought and yet because Sedona wants tourists you allow open fires and cigarettes and fire starters to be used?

I heard from people that places in the canyon were not properly controlling how their customers used fire? Answering these questions and implementing changes are necessary.

No fires are needed at any time in our AZ forests. This isn’t the 1950s! Everyone has a fast food joint, a supermarket to pack in sandwiches, and processed foods to get them through a weeks camping trip! No fires!

” At this time we are happy to say, we have plenty of water, Gatorade, protein bars, beef jerky, etc. We want to honor those who want to help, and are setting up an account at the National Bank of Arizona to accept donations to establish a Community Wildland Prevention fund.”

Don’t get in the firefighters way during a fire.

Steve Nelson has received word that the wildfire crews in our area fighting the Slide Fire could use goodie bags with any combination of waters, gatorades, chocolate, power bars and or socks! They are in need of encouragement and good spirits!

You can drop bags at Station #1 (2860 Southwest Drive Sedona, AZ) or the Visitor Center! Please share everywhere!