Firefighters continue to make gradual progress on the Pocket Fire north of Sedona despite continued growth, with containment holding steady as crews work through rugged terrain and shifting weather conditions.
The wildfire has expanded to 23,451 acres, up from just over 21,000 acres a day earlier, while containment remains at 25%. Fire managers reported additional progress along the fire’s northwest perimeter, where containment lines held through Thursday and could support further gains over the holiday weekend.
Although fire activity increased near Little Round Mountain and Maroon Mountain earlier this week, conditions have improved enough for officials to scale back most evacuation advisories. Communities including Kachina Village, Forest Highlands and Pine Del have been downgraded to “READY” status, while Oak Creek Canyon remains under a “SET” evacuation notice. State Route 89A remains closed between Sedona and Kachina Village, with limited access for local residents, and numerous forest roads and trails remain off-limits.
The Pocket Fire has burned in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness since June 19, with more than 1,145 firefighters assigned to the incident. Officials say the steep, remote terrain continues to limit direct firefighting efforts, contributing to the fire’s slow containment despite aggressive suppression work.
The Pocket Fire remains one of Arizona’s two largest active wildfires, alongside the Sycamore Fire north of Globe. With Stage 2 fire restrictions now in effect across the Coconino National Forest, land managers continue to urge residents and visitors to avoid activities that could spark additional wildfires during the state’s peak fire season.
