FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Coconino County has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as officials prepare for a weekend of critical fire weather conditions, ongoing wildfire activity and a planned Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) by APS.
County officials say the activation will allow multiple agencies to coordinate resources and emergency response efforts related to the Pocket Fire and the anticipated power shutoff affecting thousands of customers across portions of northern Arizona.
The Pocket Fire, which started on June 19 in Oak Creek Canyon, continues to burn in steep, rugged terrain that is difficult for firefighters to access. The fire remains 0% contained and is expected to remain active for several weeks.
Residents in Oak Creek Canyon remain under SET evacuation status and should stay prepared to leave if conditions worsen. Officials also remind those who are sensitive to smoke to take appropriate precautions.
Meanwhile, APS is expected to begin its planned Public Safety Power Shutoff on Saturday, June 27, at 10 a.m., with power restoration anticipated sometime Sunday afternoon, weather permitting. The precautionary shutoff is intended to reduce the risk of electrical equipment sparking new wildfires during expected high winds and extremely dry conditions.
APS has been notifying affected customers since Tuesday through their preferred contact methods.
Water and Ice Distribution Sites
Coconino County has established several locations where residents affected by the power shutoff can pick up free water and ice.
Flagstaff Mall
- Northeast parking lot
- Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mormon Lake Fire Station
- Friday: Noon – 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Grand Canyon/Tusayan
- 1575 Shuttlebus Road
- Friday: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
NEW: Fort Valley Lodge
- 8005 N. Snow Bowl Road
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Fort Valley Lodge location has been added to serve residents in the Baderville and Fort Valley areas expected to be impacted by the power shutoff.
Emergency Shelters
The American Red Cross will open two shelters beginning Saturday at 10 a.m. for residents displaced by the outage. Shelters will remain open through Sunday evening.
Sinagua Middle School
3950 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff
Grand Canyon National Airpark
1542 Liberator Drive, Grand Canyon Village
Officials note that these shelters do not provide medical care.
Families staying at the shelters who need accommodations for small pets may utilize the High Country Humane Butler Campus, located at 3501 E. Butler Ave. in Flagstaff.
The Coconino County Emergency Operations Center serves as the central coordination hub for multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional emergencies affecting county residents, businesses, infrastructure and public safety.
Flagscanner will continue to monitor both the Pocket Fire and the APS Public Safety Power Shutoff throughout the weekend and provide updates as new information becomes available.
