Sedona Fire Today, Pocket Fire Burning North of Sedona Prompts Multi-Agency Wildfire Response

Firefighters continue to make progress against the Pocket Fire, a large wildfire burning north of Sedona in Arizona’s scenic Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness. The blaze has prompted a major multi-agency response involving federal, state, and local firefighting resources as crews work to contain the fire in steep, rugged terrain. While containment has steadily increased, officials warn that the wildfire remains active and continues to produce heavy smoke affecting nearby communities.

The Pocket Fire began on June 19 approximately seven miles north of Sedona in the Coconino National Forest. Fire officials say the blaze has since expanded to more than 23,400 acres, with firefighters achieving approximately 25% containment as of July 3. The wildfire is burning primarily in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, an area characterized by dense timber, brush, steep canyons, and rocky ridges that make direct firefighting operations especially difficult.

The firefighting effort includes personnel from the U.S. Forest Service, Coconino National Forest, local fire departments, and incident management teams from across the Southwest. Hundreds of firefighters are supported by helicopters, air tankers, bulldozers, engines, and specialized hand crews working to strengthen containment lines and protect nearby communities. Officials report that crews have made significant progress along the northern and eastern edges of the fire, allowing some resources to be reassigned to more active sections of the incident. However, fire activity remains intense on the southern flank near the Seven Canyons area and within West Fork Canyon, where difficult terrain continues to challenge suppression efforts.

Smoke from the wildfire has become one of the most significant concerns for residents throughout northern Arizona. Communities including Sedona, Flagstaff, Oak Creek Canyon, Cottonwood, Forest Highlands, and Kachina Village have experienced periods of poor air quality as shifting winds carry thick smoke across the region. Health officials continue to advise residents particularly older adults, children, and those with respiratory conditions—to limit outdoor activities when smoke concentrations increase and to monitor local air quality reports.

Emergency managers have also maintained evacuation notifications for several areas closest to the fire. Portions of Oak Creek Canyon and neighborhoods near Seven Canyons remain under SET status, meaning residents should be prepared to leave immediately if conditions worsen. Although some communities previously under higher alert have been downgraded to READY status due to improved containment, officials emphasize that changing weather conditions could quickly alter evacuation recommendations.

Road closures and public safety restrictions remain in place around the fire area. Several recreation sites, hiking trails, and sections of Coconino National Forest have been temporarily closed to protect visitors and allow firefighting operations to continue safely. Officials have also established a Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire zone, reminding the public that unauthorized drones can interfere with aerial firefighting efforts and place crews at risk.

Fire behavior continues to be influenced by hot temperatures, low humidity, and gusty afternoon winds. Although firefighters have made measurable gains in containment, incident commanders caution that complete control of the wildfire could take weeks or even months because much of the fire is burning in inaccessible wilderness where direct suppression is nearly impossible. Officials say seasonal monsoon rainfall will likely play a significant role in fully extinguishing portions of the fire.

As firefighting operations continue through the Independence Day holiday weekend, authorities are urging residents and visitors to stay informed through official updates from the Coconino National Forest and local emergency management agencies. With crews making steady progress but the Pocket Fire still active, officials remain focused on protecting lives, safeguarding homes, and preventing the wildfire from spreading toward additional communities surrounding Sedona.