Tunnel Fire in Flagstaff ArizonaThe American Southwest is experiencing the worst drought in the past 1,200 years. Coupled with rising temperatures due to climate change and conditions are ripe for wildland fire.

In early 2022 the Tunnel Fire near Flagstaff burned 20,000 acres of National Forest land while the Crooks Fire near Prescott burned nearly 10,000 acres.

Residents of the Verde Valley need to be prepared to take quick action in the event of a fast-moving fire. This is particularly true for areas like the Village of Oak Creek, Cornville, and Sedona where there are limited exit routes.

It is critically important for you to recognize that you have personal responsibility for making your property safe and for preparing to respond to a wildfire. We urge you to take steps now to prepare for seasonal threats. Scroll down for a detailed list of resources to help you prepare.

A July 28 2020 article in azcentral.com documented that many of the smaller communities in the American West have a higher wildfire hazard potential than Paradise, California. Paradise was completely burned to the ground by a 2018 fire. Included below is a screenshot of the article analyzing Sedona’s wildfire hazard potential. Please note the following:

  • Of the small towns analyzed, Sedona’s wildfire potential of 3.87 was significantly higher than the median of 2.08.
  • Sedona’s evacuation constraint was so high (2,091) that it fell completely off the chart. The median was 110.0.

This analysis should be the reason for significant concern, highlighting the threat that wildfire poses specifically to Sedona, but also to the entire Verde Valley.

One way to mitigate your risk of wildfire is to contact the Fire Department serving your area to request a Firewise inspection. Most Fire Departments perform these free of charge, educating you on how to decrease fire risk to your home. If you rent or live in an apartment, ask your landlord if they would have a Firewise inspection performed.

Fire Alert Stages on the National Forest

National Forest Districts can restrict activity based on fire conditions. They use a 3-stage alert system that is fully explained here.

  • Stage 1 prohibits smoking outside and igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes as well as smudge pots.
  • Stage 2 also prohibits blasting, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame. It also prohibits operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering capable of igniting a fire. There are some exceptions, noted in the full explanation.
  • Stage 3 is a closure of the impacted area.

Keep Sedona Beautiful urges you to:

  • Prepare your home to reduce the chance of fire

  • Sign up for emergency notifications (see below)

  • Know how to monitor events via social media (see below)

  • Have a simple “Go Bag” ready and available

  • Have at least 2 escape routes identified

Current Southwest Fire Danger Map

WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS RESOURCES