Firefighters battling the Pocket Fire north of Sedona are contending with rapidly changing conditions after the wildfire more than doubled in size overnight, fueled by strong winds, low humidity and extreme fire weather across northern Arizona.
The wildfire grew to 5,547 acres by Sunday morning with no containment, an increase of more than 3,200 acres since Saturday evening. Fire officials said gusty winds pushed the fire farther northeast along Woody Mountain Road, while rugged terrain in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness continues to limit opportunities for direct firefighting.
Evacuation orders have shifted as conditions evolve. Residents in Oak Creek Canyon zones 14 and 15 were downgraded from “GO” to “SET” status, allowing them to return with proof of residency while remaining prepared to leave if conditions worsen. Communities including Kachina Village, Forest Highlands and Pine Del 99 were also placed under “SET” status as crews strengthened protection efforts with 15 additional fire engines.
More than 870 personnel are assigned to the fire, with firefighters focused on protecting communities, infrastructure and natural resources in Oak Creek Canyon. State Route 89A remains closed between Sedona and Flagstaff except for local residents with proof of residency, while several forest roads and trails remain inaccessible.
The Pocket Fire, which began June 19, remains under a Red Flag Warning as forecasters call for continued high temperatures, gusts up to 45 mph, low humidity and no significant chance of rainfall. Those conditions are expected to make containment efforts more difficult as Arizona enters one of the most active periods of its wildfire season.
