One day after a devastating fire tore through one of Sedona’s most recognizable landmarks, new details have emerged regarding the condition of Chapel of the Holy Cross and the ongoing investigation.
City officials confirmed this morning that while the fire caused significant damage, the overall structure of the chapel remains intact. The nave and rear exterior sustained the most severe impact, with visible charring, smoke damage, and broken glass throughout the interior. Structural engineers have since assessed the building and determined it is stable, though it will require extensive restoration in the coming months.
Authorities have also confirmed that no individuals were present inside the chapel at the time of the fire, and no injuries have been reported.
The investigation into the cause remains active. While officials continue to classify the fire as arson, there are currently no identified suspects. However, investigators are now reviewing new evidence submitted anonymously by a source close to the Reverend. The materials reportedly include a series of threatening letters sent to Reverend Carter in the weeks leading up to the fire. According to early reports, the letters are believed to have originated from a developer with interests in the surrounding area, though officials have not yet confirmed any direct connection.
Additionally, an audio recording purportedly capturing a conversation between Mayor Hernandez and Reverend Carter has recently surfaced online. The source of the recording and its authenticity have not been verified by officials. However, its emergence has raised questions within the community, with some speculating that tensions may have been building between the two leaders prior to the fire.
Law enforcement continues to urge anyone with information to come forward as they work to piece together the events leading up to the blaze.
In wake of the fire, the Sedona community has begun to rally around the church and the Carter family, organizing several events aimed at supporting cleanup efforts and funding future restoration. Residents are encouraged to participate in the following initiatives over the coming days:
A benefit concert at the local fairgrounds
Community car wash hosted by the Fire Department + calendars available with funds going toward the cause
A bake sale at Verde Valley High School
An open mic night and 50/50 draw at Open Range
Officials say these efforts will play a crucial role in preserving a site that holds deep historical and cultural significance for the region.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
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At 2:38 AM, smoke filled the skies of Sedona as one of the city's landmarks, Chapel of the Holy Cross lit up in flames. The glow of the fire could be seen from miles away, casting an eerie light over the surrounding red rock formations. The Sedona Fire Department raced to the scenes after a driver passing by reported the blaze. Fire crews worked through the early morning hours to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby areas. The fire, at first believed to be accidental, has now been classified as arson after city officials discovered an empty gas can on the property. Authorities have since secured the scene and are treating it as an active investigation.
At this stage, there is no confirmed word on the extent of the damage or what the next steps will be for the historic site. Officials are urging anyone who may have been in the area or noticed suspicious activity to come forward and contact local police.
OOC:
As if this has just happened in real time, ALL characters must react to this plot drop either via text message, phone call, in a thread or self-para, etc. Please do so by APRIL 16, 2026.
Any reaction to the plot drop will count as one of your activity posts for this week (minimum of 3 text message replies)
Keep an eye out for further updates via the Sedona Bulletin, or this tag #sedonafire
Mayor Hernandez: Let me be clear, Reverend, we are treating this as arson. The city is doing everything it can—
Reverend Carter (cutting in): —Everything except protecting the history of our town.
Mayor Hernandez: That's not fair and you know it.
Reverend Carter: Isn't it? Because from where I'm standing, the city has been inching towards this fate for years. Permit by permit.
Mayor Hernandez: You're implying that the city had something to do with this fire?
Reverend Carter: I'm saying when you spend years telling people that land is more valuable than legacy, someone eventually decides to take things into their own hands.
Mayor Hernandez: That's a dangerous narrative to push right now.
Reverend Carter: Dangerous? No, what's dangerous is pretending this came out of nowhere. You've been opening the door to developers who see Sedona as nothing but empty land with a price tag.
Mayor Hernandez: Development keeps this town alive. It creates jobs, revenue, tourism... All things your church benefits from whether you admit it or not.
Reverend Carter: My church was standing long before your revenue projections.
Mayor Hernandez: We don't even know the full extent of the damage yet.
Reverend Carter: And yet I already know what's coming next.
Mayor Hernandez: Oh?
Reverend Carter: Talk of "rebuilding." "Modernizing." Maybe even relocating if the structure is deemed unsafe.
Mayor Hernandez: If the building is structurally compromised, we have to consider—
Reverend Carter: No. You want to consider it.
Mayor Hernandez: You're crossing a line.
Reverend Carter: No, Mayor. This is the line. And it's been there for a long time. You've just been erasing it bit by bit.
Mayor Hernandez: I have a responsibility to the entire city, not just one landmark.
Reverend Carter: It's not just a landmark, it's our history. And right now, it's evidence.
Mayor Hernandez: Evidence of what?
Reverend Carter: Of what happens when preservation becomes optional.
Mayor Hernandez: We will rebuild, Reverend. That much I can promise.
Reverend Carter: That's not enough anymore.
Mayor Hernandez: Then what is?
Reverend Carter: Accountability.
