Sedona couple straps nine guests and a dog to roof before helicopter evacuation

Alexander Dale refused to separate from his dog during a helicopter rescue in Sedona, Arizona, on Sunday. Dale, his wife, and approximately nine guests climbed onto their roof as floodwaters rose. They waited for three hours until a helicopter crew arrived to extract the group.

The rescue crew initially expressed uncertainty about lifting the dog because they lacked a specialized K-9 harness. Dale stated that the pilot questioned whether they could take the animal. He asked the pilot what the plan was. The couple retrieved three harnesses from their home and strapped the dog to themselves.

Dale sat in the helicopter harness while holding his dog. He described the moment as a prayer that the animal would stay in place. The pilot lifted Dale and the dog together. His wife and the guests were also evacuated safely.

Officials ordered residents near Oak Creek to leave immediately as the water trapped people in their homes. The couple manages their home and several Airbnb properties on the property next to the creek bed. Dale said they did not know where to go and could not leave the area.

Other residents evacuated with minimal belongings. Cindy Wilmer, a schoolteacher living at Red Rock Crossing, left with only the clothes on her back, her school keys, and her cat. She described the water as roaring down the street and expressed concern for the condition of her house.

Fernando Leon also evacuated his Oak Creek home. He feared the property would be a total loss. Leon said he opened his door and saw the river. He noted that one day he was at his place and the next he had to leave everything behind. He described the feeling as very sad.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said state air rescue crews assisted with rooftop evacuations. State transportation crews helped clear debris. By Sunday afternoon, the heavy rains had largely subsided in the Sedona area. No injuries or deaths were immediately reported.