Sedona Couple Rescued With Dog as Floodwaters Swamped Homes

Floodwaters rose rapidly through the Oak Creek area of Sedona on November 1, trapping residents and prompting evacuations and rescues. Alexander Dale, his wife and about nine guests climbed onto the roof of their home, which sits beside the creek bed along with several short-term rentals they manage. They spent roughly three hours waiting for a helicopter to reach them.

The couple initially faced uncertainty over whether their dog could be taken aboard because rescuers did not have a dog harness. They combined three harnesses they had at home, and Dale was lifted out while holding the dog.

Other residents also left with little warning. Cindy Wilmer, who lives at Red Rock Crossing, evacuated with her cat and school keys. Fernando Leon said he opened his door to find the river outside and feared his Oak Creek home could be a total loss.

By the afternoon of November 1, heavy rain in the Sedona area had largely eased. Gov. Katie Hobbs announced that state aviation teams were assisting with rooftop evacuations and transportation crews were clearing debris. No injuries or deaths had been immediately reported.