Coconino County Supervisor Meeting
Week of July 9, 2026
Board passes resolution recognizing Pocket Fire impacts
Pocket Fire continues to burn as officials detail ongoing response
Helicopters deployed for strategic retardant drops in steep canyons
Emergency management awaits monsoon rains for fire relief
Smoke conditions improve as fire activity shifts
State Route 89A remains closed amid fire operations
Commercial flights resume after fire-related airport closure
Local officials pursue SBA loans for fire-impacted businesses
Displaced workers seek financial assistance amid fire closures
Board passes resolution recognizing Pocket Fire impacts
COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Resolution 2026-40 on Wednesday, officially recognizing the severe environmental and economic impacts of the ongoing Pocket Fire. The resolution acknowledges the loss of local revenue, disrupted regional economic activity and ecological damage caused by the blaze. County officials emphasized their commitment to partnering with neighboring municipalities, including Flagstaff, to request federal and state assistance for ongoing mitigation and recovery efforts.
Pocket Fire continues to burn as officials detail ongoing response
COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — Coconino County Emergency Management Director Tim Carter reported Wednesday that the Pocket Fire has burned more than 25,000 acres, with firefighting resources continuing to work in difficult terrain. Officials said containment lines on portions of the fire were holding, while crews continued battling the blaze in steep areas near West Fork with strong reliance on aerial support where ground access remained limited.
Helicopters deployed for strategic retardant drops in steep canyons
COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — Firefighters are using helicopters to carry out precise retardant drops in the steep, inaccessible canyons near West Fork. Crews established a mobile retardant support operation at the Willard Springs Green Waste Site, allowing aircraft to refill more efficiently than they could through larger fixed-wing operations. Officials said the strategy is critical for slowing the fire's descent down steep canyon walls where crews cannot safely work on the ground.
Emergency management awaits monsoon rains for fire relief
COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — With the Pocket Fire burning in steep, inaccessible terrain, emergency officials said full extinguishment will likely depend on prolonged monsoon moisture. Ground crews remain unable to safely access certain areas to establish direct containment lines, leaving the fire to back down canyon walls behind contingency lines. The National Weather Service indicated monsoon moisture could arrive late this week or early next week, potentially offering relief for firefighting efforts.
Smoke conditions improve as fire activity shifts
SEDONA, Ariz. — Residents are experiencing some relief from heavy smoke as fire conditions change and fuels are reduced in some areas. Previously, nighttime cooling caused heavy smoke to settle in low-lying areas before pushing into surrounding communities during the day, prompting poor air quality and canceled travel plans. While some air quality issues are expected to persist, emergency officials say the severity of smoke impacts may lessen in the coming days.
State Route 89A remains closed amid fire operations
SEDONA, Ariz. — State Route 89A remains closed to traffic as fire crews continue flyovers and suppression efforts in the area. The closure has severely impacted local businesses, hotels and restaurants that rely heavily on summer tourism. Emergency management officials are meeting regularly with the Arizona Department of Transportation, the U.S. Forest Service and the Coconino County Sheriff's Office to balance public safety with the urgent economic need to reopen the critical travel corridor.
Commercial flights resume after fire-related airport closure
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Following a closure tied to the Pocket Fire, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport has reopened to commercial aviation traffic. The shutdown, which occurred before the busy Fourth of July weekend, caused significant economic strain on the region's tourism-based economy. Local officials expressed relief at the resumption of flights, noting the severe financial toll the temporary closure took on local businesses and travelers.
Local officials pursue SBA loans for fire-impacted businesses
COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — Coconino County Emergency Management Director Tim Carter is working with the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs to pursue Small Business Administration loans for businesses affected by the Pocket Fire. If awarded, the program would cover local jurisdictions, adjacent counties and tribal partners. Economic and workforce development officials are also exploring private-sector assistance programs to help offset financial losses caused by the ongoing natural disaster.
Displaced workers seek financial assistance amid fire closures
COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — Local workers displaced by the closure of businesses and tourist areas are seeking financial assistance as the Pocket Fire continues to disrupt the summer economy. County emergency officials noted that several vendors, including local jewelry sellers, had to be relocated, while other employees are currently out of work and losing their primary household income. Economic and workforce development officials are exploring private resources to help support families who rely on the peak tourism season for their livelihood.
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