Sedona (Brins) Fire Update

Most anyone who visits Arizona eventually finds their way to the beautiful red rock country of Sedona. At 4,500 ft. elevation, Sedona is a welcome respite from the intense heat of Phoenix. Until recently, visitors and residence could always count on clear blue skies, beautiful scenery, and fresh air........... then came the Brins Fire.

Started by an improperly abandoned campfire, the Brins Fire was human caused. For a while, the city of Sedona, and later ~ Oak Creek Canyon was threatened by the massive blaze. At one point the US Forest Service had 8 air tankers spreading red slurry along the defense perimeters and 6 helicopters dropping water buckets on the flames. Ground support totaled 700 firefighters at that point.

The fire is roughly 25% contained now ~ 1 week later. Due to the extraordinary efforts of the firefighters, no structures have been destroyed ~ although at one point over 400 resdients were evacuated. It will take the lanscape at least 10+ years to recover from the scorching heat and devastation. For the most part, the average visitor will not notice the scars unless they venture Northwest of the city. Most visitors seek out the uptown tourist area then return to Phoenix.

Here are a couple of pictures that Kaneke and I took last week. The orange looking clouds are actually a reflection of the Arizona sunset on the smoke. In one picture you can see a famous rock formation called "Coffee Pot Rock" which resembles that of an old fashioned coffee percolator......