Pocket Fire Near Sedona Surpasses 6,000 Acres With Zero Containment as Arizona Fire Season Intensifies

[QUEEN CREEK, Arizona] -- The Pocket Fire burning seven miles north of Sedona has now consumed more than 6,000 acres with zero percent containment as of Sunday, June 28, according to fire officials. Nearly 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze in steep, rugged terrain, and the fire is expected to remain active for several weeks.

Queen Creek, in the southeast Phoenix metro area spanning the Maricopa-Pinal county line, has a population of approximately 70,000. Residents commute to employers including Intel and Boeing Mesa.

A mandatory GO evacuation order is in effect for Oak Creek Canyon between Sedona and Forest Highlands. SET orders -- meaning residents should be prepared to evacuate -- cover Kachina Village, Forest Highlands, West Fork, Pine Del, and areas above the Rim.

State Route 89A is completely closed, along with numerous trailheads and campgrounds throughout Oak Creek Canyon, including Casner, Loy Canyon, Bear Mountain, Fay Canyon, and Soldier Pass. Coconino County has activated its Emergency Operations Center.

A Red Flag Warning was in effect through Sunday with winds up to 35 mph and gusts reaching 50 mph, further complicating firefighting efforts. A community meeting has been rescheduled to Monday, June 29, at 7 p.m. to be held online. Evacuation shelters have been established at Sinagua Middle School in Flagstaff and at Grand Canyon National Airpark.