Firefighters Battle Expanding Pocket Fire in Sedona Amidst Challenging Conditions
The Pocket Fire, which has been spreading north of Sedona, has expanded to cover over 784 acres as of Wednesday afternoon. The blaze remains completely uncontained, posing significant challenges to firefighting teams in the area.
Much of the fire’s growth can be attributed to strategic burn operations conducted by crews in anticipation of the windy and dry weather forecast for the upcoming weekend. Adrian Skabelund from KNAU engaged in a conversation with Dick Fleishman, the spokesperson for the Southwest Incident Management Team, who provided insights while navigating Oak Creek Canyon.
Adrian Skabelund: Can you describe the current situation in the canyon? I assume it’s devoid of cars.
Dick Fleishman: Yes, there are no cars. However, we have a considerable amount of equipment on the ground. Two structure-protection groups are in place, and a hotshot crew is stationed at the upper end near the switchbacks. They are reopening a hand line established during the 2014 Slide Fire as a contingency measure. The equipment is readily available to respond swiftly if needed.
Skabelund: Is smoke filling the canyon, or is it moving above?
Fleishman: Smoke is primarily in the upper part of the canyon where the fire is active. Further south, there’s blue sky visible, although we continue to observe smoke.
Skabelund: It must be unusual to travel along State Route 89A through an empty Oak Creek in the summer.
Fleishman: It’s indeed unusual. Some people have returned, but not many. Slide Rock State Park is empty, which is quite odd.
Skabelund: Can you elaborate on the spot fires observed on Tuesday?
Fleishman: Spotting occurs when embers are carried by the wind and ignite new fires. We had nearly a dozen such spot fires on Tuesday, with one reaching about half an acre. Fortunately, crews managed to contain them, and nighttime teams ensured they were secured.
Skabelund: What are the main concerns regarding the upcoming red flag conditions?
Fleishman: High winds could propel embers from the fire. Although recent infrared observations indicate minimal heat on the east side near Oak Creek Canyon, spot fires remain a possibility. The conditions are expected to be hot and extremely dry, leading to erratic fire behavior. Our preemptive burn operations serve as a buffer to mitigate the risk of embers spreading.
Skabelund: So, the aim is to create a buffer zone?
Fleishman: Exactly. Our recent burn operation widened the line from about 15-20 feet to a quarter-mile by removing potential fuel.
Skabelund: Thank you for your time, Dick.
Fleishman: You’re welcome.
Updated for additional information at 3:19 p.m. on June 24, 2026.
In related developments, approximately 10,000 Arizona Public Service customers in northern Arizona face potential power outages on Saturday due to the extreme fire danger expected throughout the region.
—
Read More Arizona News
