Tucson

The Southern Arizona Chapter of the American Red Cross has opened a cooling center due to a power outage at Desert Sun Mobile Home Park at 1741 W. Wetmore Rd. Tucson, Az..

The cooling center is at Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center at 1660 W. Ruthrauff Rd., Tucson, 85705 and will be open to provide a respite from the heat.

Currently, there are nearly 25 mobile homes without power and air conditioning, which is impacting 20-25 families and 30-40 kids, according to the Red Cross.

Coronado National Forest and the Arizona Game and Fish Department remind outdoor recreationists that the onset of summer means changed conditions across the Forest.

Officials note that as temperatures warm, vegetation is greening up and water is becoming scarce on the 16 “Sky Island” mountain ranges that compose the Coronado.  As a result, wildlife movements and patterns are altered, a change which requires renewed situational awareness by outdoor enthusiasts.

The Nogales Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest expects to conduct the Gardner Prescribed Fire as early as April 9, 2018. The project area consists of National Forest System lands in the southeastern portion of the Santa Rita Mountains in southeastern Arizona.

The burn area boundaries lie between Gardner Canyon on the north and Hog Canyon on the south. Fire managers expect to complete burning while environmental and fuels conditions remain favorable for manageable fire activity.

As the Safford Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest continues work on the Little Bull Prescribed Fire, a closure is now in effect to provide for public safety while prescribed burning is conducted place within the project area.

The Safford Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest expects to conduct the Little Bull Prescribed Fire as early as February 07, 2018. The project area consists of National Forest System lands in the southeastern portion of the Galiuro Mountains in southeastern Arizona, and is included in the Coronado’s Galiuro FireScape Project.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is reminding Southeastern Arizona to take steps to prevent wildland fires and to protect their properties in light of prolonged dry and windy conditions. These conditions have resulted in extremely dry grass and vegetation that is now very receptive to the one spark that can start a wildfire.

The Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Ranger District, will close Carr Canyon and Forest Road 368 from the bridge crossing to the end of the access road near Ramsey Vista Campground when winter weather causes potentially hazardous conditions.  The road is expected to reopen March 1, 2018, but may open earlier if weather conditions are favorable.

While the road is closed both Ramsey Vista and Reef Townsite campgrounds will be closed. Walk-in traffic is welcome on Carr Road. The lower picnic area and adjacent parking area will be open to visitors.

Burro Fire details

Acreage: 27,266 acres (estimated)

Percentage of Containment: 51%

Date Reported: June 30, 2017

Cause of Fire: Under Investigation

Resources: 659 personal including 13 crews, 43 engines, 31 water tenders, 1 bulldozer, and 6 helicopters

Fuel Type: Tall grass and brush, with ponderosa pine and mixed conifer at higher elevations

Acreage: 27,266 acres (estimated)                                                                     Percentage of Containment: 51%         

Date Reported: June 30, 2017                                                                           Cause of Fire: Under Investigation               

Resources: 659 personal including 14 crews, 44 engines, 31 water tenders, 3 bulldozer, and 6 helicopters