Arizona Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Arizona - June 20, 2026

Overview

Arizona is currently experiencing an elevated fire risk driven by extreme heat, critically low humidity, and strong gusty winds. The delayed onset of summer moisture has left vegetation across the state dry and highly susceptible to ignition. There are currently 27 active fires burning in Arizona, consuming a total of approximately 9,973 acres. Significant wildland fire activity is occurring in multiple geographic areas, requiring state and national support to manage incident objectives.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Firefighters are actively working to contain multiple lightning-sparked and human-caused wildfires across the state. Crews are utilizing aircraft, bulldozers, and ground teams to establish containment lines, while also preparing for potential new starts as dry, windy conditions persist.

Key Fires:

• Rock Canyon Fire: Located on the Kaibab Plateau east of Fredonia and west of House Rock Valley Road, this lightning-caused fire is currently the largest in the state at 4,695 acres and is 20% contained. The fire is burning through interior pockets of vegetation and timber with isolated torching. Firefighters are working in tandem with dozers and helicopters to tie into existing natural and man-made barriers. Several structures have been threatened, and fire area closures remain in effect on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Kaibab National Forest lands.
• Pocket Fire: Burning roughly seven miles north of Sedona in the Coconino National Forest, this fire has quickly grown to approximately 500 acres. Due to the immediate threat to life and property, Coconino County has issued a "GO" order (mandatory evacuation) for visitors and residents in Oak Creek Canyon between Sedona and Forest Highlands, including dispersed camping around West Fork. State Route 89A is completely closed. The Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 2 is taking command of the incident.
• Dellenbaugh Fire: Located northeast of Kingman in the remote Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument, this lightning-sparked fire has burned approximately 700 acres. Firefighters are actively working to suppress the blaze amid challenging, dry conditions.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the critical fire weather, land management agencies have shifted focus from prescribed burning to active fire suppression and prevention. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management has implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions across State Trust Lands in Apache, Coconino, Gila, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, and Yuma counties. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect for La Paz and Yuma counties. Under Stage 1, campfires are prohibited outside of developed recreation areas, while Stage 2 prohibits campfires entirely. Target shooting and fireworks are strictly prohibited on all State Trust Lands.

Air Quality: Smoke from active wildfires, particularly the Rock Canyon and Pocket fires, may impact surrounding communities and travel routes. Air quality forecasts and smoke advisories are being continuously monitored. Residents can check local air quality conditions and forecasts at www.airnow.gov.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Hot, dry, and windy conditions are elevating wildfire risks across much of the state. Minimum afternoon humidity values are critically low, dropping into the single digits, with poor overnight recovery.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings are in effect through the weekend for several areas, including Mohave and Apache counties, the Little Colorado River Valley, and the Chuska Mountains. Winds are expected to gust between 35 and 45 mph. An Extreme Heat Watch has also been issued for Grand Canyon Country starting Monday, with an incoming high-pressure system expected to push temperatures over 110 degrees by late next week, further exacerbating fire danger and complicating suppression efforts.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents in wildfire-prone areas, particularly near Oak Creek Canyon and the Kaibab Plateau, are urged to have an emergency "Go-Kit" ready, including water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, and important documents. The public must adhere to all evacuation orders and road closures. Additionally, active wildfire areas are strictly "No Drone Zones"; unauthorized drone use immediately grounds aerial firefighting operations, delaying response efforts and endangering lives and property.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging, hot conditions. Incident Management Teams are taking command of complex fires, and regional coordination is ongoing to ensure adequate resources are deployed to protect high-risk areas, communities, and natural resources.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Arizona Emergency Information Network: wildlandfire.az.gov
InciWeb - Arizona Fire Map: inciweb.wildfire.gov/state/arizona

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.