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Coconino County board adopts resolution recognizing environmental, economic impacts of Pocket Fire
Summary
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on July 8 unanimously approved Resolution 2026-40, which recognizes the environmental and economic harms from the Pocket Fire and pledges county partnership with Flagstaff and other agencies while emergency management outlined containment, staffing and local recovery needs.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on July 8 unanimously approved Resolution No. 2026-40, recognizing the environmental and economic impacts of the Pocket Fire and pledging county partnership with the City of Flagstaff and other federal, state, tribal and local partners.
"As of this morning, the current fire is currently at 27,440 acres, about 53% contained with almost 1,300 personnel assigned to the fire," Emergency Manager Tim Carter told the board, describing heavy use of aircraft and 10 helicopters to reach steep canyon terrain. Carter said crews are confident about many containment lines but that the fire will likely persist until prolonged monsoon rains or sustained ground access.
The resolution, read aloud by county staff, recounts that the Pocket Fire started on June 19, 2026, burned "over 26,000 acres" after moving from the Coconino National Forest in Yavapai County into Coconino County, and prompted evacuations, the closure of U.S. Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon and a temporary suspension of commercial flights at the Flagstaff airport. It also thanks thousands of firefighters and first responders and calls for continued forest restoration.
"We certainly stand in partnership with the City of Flagstaff," Chair Patrice Horstman said, urging the county to assist with collaboration or advocacy to mitigate economic effects around Oak Creek Canyon and along 89A.
Supervisors pressed for clarity on public-safety decisions and local economic relief. Supervisor Tammy Ontiveros asked when U.S. 89A might safely reopen; Carter said reopening depends on crew assessments of containment lines and public-safety concerns and that county and agency cooperators will revisit the issue at a scheduled meeting. Carter estimated the Flagstaff airport was closed for roughly "7 to 10 days," and said the Small Business Administration disaster program, if awarded, would use a footprint covering Coconino County, adjacent counties and tribal partners similar to recent disaster declarations.
Supervisor Judy Begay said displaced vendors and local workers have contacted her seeking help. Carter said county staff and the state Division of Emergency Management (DEMA) recovery branch are reviewing available programs; he added that he does not believe SBA disaster loans apply to employees and that staff are seeking further clarification.
After the public reading of the resolution, Ontiveros moved to approve it; Horstman seconded. The board voted "aye" unanimously and adopted Resolution No. 2026-40.
A board member noted the county provided the resolution to Flagstaff City Manager Joanne Keane before adjourning. The board had no additional business and adjourned the special meeting.
