Arizona Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Arizona - July 11, 2026

Overview

Arizona is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to a combination of extreme heat, dry conditions, and breezy winds exacerbating the spread of wildfires across the state. Above-normal temperatures, combined with low humidity and dry vegetation, have led to potentially risky situations for wildfires across the region. The current National Preparedness Level is 4, indicating that national wildland firefighting resources are heavily committed to managing incidents.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires in Arizona, and significant wildland fire activity is occurring in multiple geographic areas, requiring national support to manage incident objectives. Firefighters are working aggressively to contain these fires while also preparing for potential new starts driven by dry lightning and high winds.

Key Fires:

• Pocket Fire: Located 7 miles north of Sedona, AZ, this fire started on June 19, 2026, and is currently 27,451 acres and 73% contained. The cause remains undetermined, and it continues to be fueled by timber and brush. Containment has been established along the northern edge and near State Route 89A, but active fire behavior continues to the east near West Fork Canyon and south near Seven Canyons. Crews are actively working to lock down inaccessible canyons. The Yavapai County Sheriff has placed the zone containing Seven Canyons and Enchantment into "SET" evacuation status.
• Sycamore Fire: This lightning-caused fire, burning in the Tonto National Forest west of Steer Mountain, has consumed 11,938 acres and is currently 91% contained. It has prompted level two "SET" evacuations for surrounding areas.
• Rock Canyon Fire: Burning in the Kaibab National Forest near the Arizona-Utah border, this lightning-caused fire has burned 4,823 acres and is currently 97% contained.
• Rolling Ridge Fire: Located near Cordes Lakes, this rapidly developing fire prompted the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office to issue a "GO" evacuation order for zones YCU-2333 and YCU-2336. Sheltering options, including Mayer High School, have been established for affected residents.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Bureau of Indian Affairs Fort Apache Fire Management, in coordination with White Mountain Apache Tribal Forestry, is monitoring prescribed pile burn activities to reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health. Similarly, the Coconino National Forest is planning pile burns to reduce overgrown vegetation and protect local communities and infrastructure from severe wildfires.

Air Quality: The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has issued a PM10 High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Maricopa County, which includes a strict prohibition on wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits. Smoke from the Pocket Fire and other active wildfires may also impact air quality in surrounding areas, including Sedona, Flagstaff, and communities downwind. Residents with respiratory issues should use caution.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Arizona is facing a critical fire weather pattern accompanied by extreme heat. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Coconino County through July 11, with daytime highs expected to reach up to 117°F in lower-elevation areas.
Forecasted Weather: A strong drying trend is expected to continue. Above-normal temperatures will combine with breezy southwest to west winds at 12–22 mph (with gusts up to 30 mph) and afternoon relative humidities dropping to 5–15%. This will significantly elevate fire weather conditions across northern Arizona. There is a chance of isolated dry thunderstorms in the higher terrain, bringing the risk of dry lightning and erratic winds without significant rainfall to temper the dry fuels.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic and potential smoke impacts. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, adhere to "Ready, Set, Go!" evacuation alerts, and clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires. The public is also reminded to avoid activities that create sparks, such as using metal targets for shooting in dry grass areas, as these are notorious for causing accidental fire starts.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under highly challenging conditions with extreme heat and a heavily committed national workforce. Agencies are continuing to monitor conditions closely, conduct fuel mitigation projects where safe, and allocate resources to protect high-risk communities and heritage sites.

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: ein.az.gov
InciWeb (Incident Information System): inciweb.wildfire.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.