ENVIRONMENT

Arizona wildfire near Sedona threatens Flagstaff city

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A fast-growing wildfire known as the Pocket Fire has expanded to 1,187 acres about seven miles north of Sedona, Arizona, and remains at zero percent containment as of Thursday, June 25, 2026, according to fire managers. Burning in steep, inaccessible terrain within the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness of the Coconino National Forest, the fire was first reported on June 19 near the western rim of Oak Creek Canyon. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from Friday through Sunday, with forecast wind gusts up to 50 mph and very low humidity, raising concerns the blaze could be driven toward Flagstaff despite extensive backburning operations.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Jun 19, 2026 Fire first reported near Oak Creek
Jun 20, 2026 Crews assess steep rugged terrain
Jun 21, 2026 Infrared flights map heat signatures
Earlier this week Strategic backburning operations initiated northwest
Earlier this week Fire remains inaccessible to ground crews
Jun 25, 2026 Pocket Fire reaches 1,187 acres
Friday Red Flag Warning period begins regionwide
This weekend Forecast winds may push fire northward

Why This Matters to You

The Pocket Fire near Sedona is growing fast. It could threaten Flagstaff if winds push it northward. If you live in or around Flagstaff, stay alert. Check local news and evacuation updates regularly.

The Bottom Line

This wildfire is serious and unpredictable. It's already over a thousand acres and zero percent contained. With a Red Flag Warning this weekend, conditions could worsen. Share this with anyone you know in the Flagstaff area. They need to be ready.