Coronado National Forest

The closure order implemented after the Bighorn Fire was updated increasing recreational access to Sabino Canyon and the Santa Catalinas on September 21st. The updated order will remain in effect until November 1, 2020. 

Firing operations conducted over the weekend have led to an increase in containment and decrease in fire behavior. The Type 3 Management Team will transition command of the fire to a Type 4 Incident Commander at 6 am on Tuesday, August 18. This will be the final update for the Klaus Fire unless significant events occur. 
 

Due to the Mica Bowl and Spud Rock fires burning in the Rincon Mountains. Saguaro National Park has closed Spud Rock Wilderness Campground and all trails on Mica Mountain east of the Arizona Trail to provide for public safety.  The Arizona Trail remains open, however segments may be subject to short notice closure dependent upon fire activity. 
 
Closed trails include:  

Yesterday, firefighters conducted a small firing operation in Two Weeks Spring Canyon to prepare for today’s operation.  This operation stopped forward progress in this specific area while allowing crews to observe fire behavior in preparation for today’s operations. Dozers have improved road conditions on Jack Wood Road (Forest Road 686), making it safer and easier for crews traveling through the area. 
 

The Klaus Fire was located on August 10, 2020 and has been under the command of a local Type 4 Incident Commander. Today, the fire transitioned to local Type 3 Incident Commander Mark South at 6:00 am. The fire is located on the Douglas Ranger District on the Coronado National Forest. The Klaus Fire is moving through grass and brush vegetation in steep, rugged terrain.  Resources assigned include two crews, four engines, two dozers, one type three helicopter, and miscellaneous overhead. 
 

The closure order for developed recreation sites in the Coronado National Forest, has been extended to August 31, 2020. The White Rock Campground on the Nogales Ranger district was removed from the closure order and is scheduled to re-open on August 1, 2020.

The closure order for Mt. Lemmon and Sabino Canyon is still in effect for public safety. The closure order applies to recreation residence cabins in Greater Soldier Camp and Willow Canyon on the Coronado National Forest. This order was issued due to the hazards in the burn scar and the increased possibility of flooding downstream and of sediment and debris runoff after the Bighorn Fire.

The Bighorn Fire is a 100% contained as of today. The fire burned 119,978 acres to include iconic areas near Tucson like Mt. Lemmon and upper Sabino Canyon watershed. While the fire is a 100% contained, residual heat within the containment line may be visible for some time. A closure order remains in effect for public safety as there are hazards in the burn scar and the Bighorn Fire increased the possibility of flooding downstream and of sediment and debris runoff.

Highlights: Light rain that occurred on the evening of July 15 resulted in debris flow in the Canada Del Oro Wash. It is imperative that the general public adhere to the closure for public health and safety.  There will be a robust law enforcement presence at trailheads and roads along the closure boundary.  Violation of the closure order number: # 03-05-05-20-024 is being enforced and could result in a fine in accordance with U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581 (b)(7).

Highlights: Beginning this evening at 8 p.m., a new, consolidated closure order restricting access to National Forest Systems lands in and around the Bighorn Fire will go into effect.  The previous closure orders for the Bighorn fire are still in effect until 8 p.m. This order will remain in effect until November 1, 2020 or until rescinded, whichever comes first. This order is being put in place for public health and safety with the oncoming monsoon rains and numerous hazards throughout the Bighorn Fire.