U.S. Forest Service - Coconino National Forest

09/01/2026

Volunteers needed: Join our crews between October and April on two of Arizona's most beautiful and scenic waterways: the Verde River and the Salt River.

We (along with the U.S. Forest Service-Tonto National Forest) are soliciting river ranger volunteers. Volunteers must be able to perform manual labor in adverse conditions, have backcountry experience and boating skills (Class III+) and the ability to commit to at least two river trips. They should have a positive demeanor and strong wilderness ethic.

Volunteers will perform channel maintenance and monitoring, and will have to attend a pre-selection float.

Contact Rebecca Miller ([email protected]) or Kyle Smith ([email protected]) for more information.

09/01/2026

Hope you're able to get out on a trail today! The flowers are BURSTING in many areas... And make sure to watch out for Horned Lizards who like to bask in the sun right on the trail itself!

08/11/2026

Hart and Turkey fires smolder with no significant changes

SEDONA, Ariz., Aug. 11, 2026 — The Hart and Turkey fires—8 miles northwest and 6 miles southwest of Sedona, respectively—have had no significant changes but will continue to be monitored by firefighters.

The 13-acre Hart Fire has no official containment but has not grown and is not expected to grow before monsoon storms extinguish it at some point in the near future. Smoke will be visible as it smolders atop the cliffs and is expected to continue being visible until monsoon precipitation fully extinguishes it.

The Turkey Fire is currently 95% contained at just over 10 acres with no smoke visible and has received a small amount of precipitation but is expected to receive more in the future.

Firefighters will continue to monitor both fires and have a helicopter committed for use if the need arises and that resource is not pulled away to higher priorities in the region.

This will be the last update for the Hart and Turkey fires unless significant changes occur

08/10/2026

Some interesting stats and numbers for the southwest.

08/09/2026

Firefighters are responding to the Turkey Fire located west of the Village of Oak Creek.

More information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/newsroom/releases/firefighters-responding-turkey-fire-west-village-oak-creek

08/07/2026

Hart Fire northwest of Sedona mapped at 13 acres

SEDONA, Ariz., Aug. 7, 2026 — After a reconnaissance flight over the Hart Fire 8 miles northwest of Sedona, firefighters have mapped the wildfire as 13 acres and burning atop the rim in a rugged inaccessible steep cliff area.

Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire through the weekend and conduct additional reconnaissance flights as necessary. Monsoon weather is predicted for the area over the next several days, with chances of moisture increasing as it gets closer to Monday.

Due to the location atop steep cliffs, a decision has been made to not conduct water bucket drops on the fire, to keep burning fuels from displacing and falling to the canyon below, creating a much larger problem.

No structures or communities are threatened currently. The Hart Fire was first reported by the Sedona Police Department on the evening of Aug. 5.

08/06/2026

Wildfire northwest of Sedona creating visible smoke

SEDONA, Ariz., Aug. 6, 2026 — Firefighters are aware of a wildfire located approximately 8 miles northwest of Sedona and 1.5 miles directly north of Palatki Heritage site.

The size and cause of the Hart Fire is yet to be determined, but the fire is putting up smoke that is noticeable to those in the Sedona area and began after rain and lightning storms moved through the area. No structures or communities are threatened at this time.

The fire is currently burning in rugged and inaccessible terrain, so firefighting crews will not be able to access it immediately. Due to current storms, a reconnaissance flight will not take place until tomorrow morning, when better information can guide future firefighting plans.

Location:

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

07/30/2026

Pocket Fire closure area significantly reduced

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., July 30, 2026 — The Pocket Fire has been 100% contained as of this morning, and the closure area for the fire has been significantly reduced, beginning tomorrow (July 31) at 6 a.m.

Certain areas, recreation sites, and trails that continue to be closed for public safety include:

• Banjo Bill Picnic Site
• Bear Sign Trail #59
• Bootlegger Picnic Site
• Call of the Canyon
• David Miller Trail #164
• Dry Creek Trail #52
• Encinoso Picnic Site
• Grasshopper Point Picnic Site
• Halfway Picnic Site
• HS Canyon Trail #50
• Manzanita Campground
• Oak Creek, beginning where the West Fork drainage meets the creek, then south to where it exits national forest land (within 100 feet of each side of the creek).
• Secret Canyon Trail #121
• West Fork Trail #108 (The entirety of the West Fork drainage from Forest Road 231, within 100 feet of each side of the drainage).

Official forest orders and maps can always be found on the Coconino National Forest Alerts web page at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/alerts .

07/29/2026

Pocket Fire photos dump... see more at https://www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest/albums/72177720334891690

07/23/2026

After the Fire — The role of the Burned Area Emergency Response Team on the Pocket Fire
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/newsroom/stories/after-fire-role-burned-area-emergency-response-team-pocket-fire