State Route 89A reopened between Sedona and Interstate 17 at 7 a.m. Monday, July 13, after being closed for nearly a month due to the Pocket Fire, officials said. The highway closure began June 19 as the fire burned nearly 28,000 acres and remained 76% contained, with fire suppression activities continuing despite the reopening, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
The reopening of State Route 89A between Sedona and Interstate 17 (mileposts 374–397) on Monday, July 13, followed nearly a month of closure that began June 19 due to the Pocket Fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The highway had been closed in both directions at 6:55 p.m. on June 19 as the fire burned through the area, forcing evacuation orders and restricting access to residents only from the southern Sedona entrance during active fire operations.
The Pocket Fire was reported as 76% contained, having burned nearly 28,000 acres, with 862 personnel assigned to suppression efforts.
At the time of reopening, the Pocket Fire was reported as 76% contained, having burned nearly 28,000 acres, with 862 personnel assigned to suppression efforts, according to KNAU and Sedona Red Rock News. Fire officials said that although the highway reopened at 7 a.m. on July 13, fire suppression activities continue in the area. The Arizona Department of Transportation warned motorists to expect increased fire-response traffic in Oak Creek Canyon and the possibility of intermittent road closures to support ongoing firefighting operations.
ADOT also noted that lane restrictions remain in effect Monday through Thursday between Pine Flat Campground and Oak Creek Vista Scenic Overlook (mileposts 387–390) due to a previously scheduled guardrail improvement project. Traffic through this work zone is managed by flagging operations allowing one direction at a time, with a 12-foot vehicle width restriction in place. Northbound and southbound lanes of SR 89A are scheduled to remain fully open from Friday through Sunday. Motorists are advised to use AZ511 and its app for current road information as conditions evolve.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office downgraded the last remaining communities on “SET” evacuation status to “READY” on July 13, including Oak Creek Canyon, Seven Canyons, and the Enchantment Resort area. This change coincided with the improved containment and allowed authorities to lift travel restrictions and reopen SR 89A through the canyon, according to Sedona Red Rock News. Earlier in the incident, evacuations had been in effect in Oak Creek Canyon, and the highway was closed between Fort Tuthill and the north end of Sedona, as reported by the Coconino National Forest.
Incident management transitioned as the Northern Arizona Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the Pocket Fire, with the Southwest Area Incident Management Team en route to take over shortly thereafter, officials said. Robert Poole, a spokesman for the Coconino National Forest and U.S. Forest Service, stated on July 13 that “the fire is doing pretty much nothing at the moment,” with primary efforts focused on reinforcing containment lines and suppression rehabilitation. This rehabilitation work includes the use of heavy equipment to repair fireline construction areas and roads, aiming to prevent damage from expected winter rains.
Fire managers reported no significant hot spots remaining in critical areas such as Long Canyon, and containment was increasing above the Seven Canyons area. The National Weather Service forecasted monsoon activity throughout the week of July 13, with an 80% chance of precipitation on Wednesday, July 15, and 90% chances on Thursday and Friday, which could further assist suppression efforts.
During the closure, non-local traffic was prohibited on SR 89A, with only residents allowed controlled access to Oak Creek Canyon from the southern Sedona entrance. The reopening restored full access to the corridor from Sedona to Interstate 17 near Flagstaff, a key travel and tourism route. However, officials cautioned that ongoing suppression rehabilitation, patrols, and construction projects could cause periodic delays and intermittent closures. The Arizona Department of Transportation and other agencies continue to direct the public to InciWeb, Coconino County, and U.S. Forest Service information channels for the latest updates on fire status, evacuation orders, and road conditions.
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