Pocket Fire forces Slide Rock State Park swimming closure till fall

SEDONA, AZ (AZFamily) — One of Arizona’s most beloved swimming holes is staying dry this summer time, and fireplace is responsible.

Slide Rock State Park will hold its swimming space closed by the top of September because the aftermath of the Pocket Fire continues to pose security dangers for guests, Arizona State Parks and Trails introduced Friday.

The closure is coordinated with a Coconino National Forest order affecting Oak Creek.

Heavy rains on July 17 triggered the preliminary shutdown after floodwaters swept ash and particles from the Pocket Fire burn scar into Oak Creek, degrading water high quality with ash, sediment, and natural matter.

Officials say the continuing menace of flash flooding throughout monsoon season stays the first public security concern behind the prolonged closure.

“As one of Arizona’s favorite swimming spots and a destination for nearly half a million visitors each year, we regret not being able to have swimming access at Slide Rock State Park for our visitors until this fall,” Bob Broscheid, director of Arizona State Parks and Trails, mentioned in a written assertion. “However, public safety comes first and the Pocket Fire aftermath in combination with monsoon season presents risks to swimmers that we can’t otherwise mitigate.”

The remainder of the park stays open. Visitors are urged to observe climate situations, verify for closures and alerts with land managers, and keep conscious of hazards together with flash floods and wildfires earlier than heading out.

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