Schewel, Heidi -FS
Fri 6/12/2020 9:38 AM
Bighorn Fire – June 12, 2020 Morning Update
Crews hold fire at Pima Canyon, growth observed to the northeast
Acres: 7,092
Percent Containment: 10%
Start Date: June 5, 2020
Cause: Lightning
Origin Location: Santa Catalina Mountains
Personnel: 419
Jurisdiction: Coronado National Forest, including portions of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness
Resources: 7 hotshot crews, 2 Type 2 hand crews, 14 Type 3 engines, 1 Type 4 engine, 12 Type 6 engines, 4 Type 1 helicopters, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 2 Type 3 helicopter, 10 water tenders
Crews will experience the highest temperatures yet today, topping 107 degrees, with a chance of dry thunderstorms that could create erratic winds in the afternoon. Firefighters are prepared to execute additional firing operations today in the area of Pima Canyon if conditions allow. Firefighters working in and around communities that border the forest will be continuing their work to the east, near Ventana Canyon. These specialized crews assess potential threats to homes and infrastructure, identify access routes and develop contingency plans in the event of fire spreading into the area.
Overnight, the fire grew to the northeast past Buster Spring into Montrose canyon. Yesterday’s work near Pima Canyon held overnight, with minimal fire growth in that area. Fire did creep over retardant lines near upper western edge of Ventana Canyon. Air tanker retardant drops are one tool in fighting fire but are most effective when paired with crews working on the ground to construct fire line. This continues to be a challenge given the steep, rocky terrain.
Evacuation status remains in effect, per the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and Oro Valley Police Department:
Residents of The Enclave at Pima Canyon, Villas at Rancho Sin Vacas, Pima Estates, Villa Milano at Rancho Sin Vacas, Sin Vacas, Catalina Ridge Estates, and The Canyons are in “GO” status and should evacuate. View a map of the GO area at google.com/maps.
The remaining area of the Catalina Foothills between Alvernon Way and 1st Avenue, North of Ina Road remains in the “SET – Be Alert” stage. View a map of the SET area at google.com/maps.
The area of the Catalina Foothills between Alvernon Way and Sabino Canyon Road, North of Skyline Drive is now in the “SET – Be Alert” stage. View a map of the SET area at google.com/maps.
The area of southeast/east Oro Valley including all areas east of Oracle Road from north of Magee to Catalina State Park is now in the “SET – Be Alert” stage. View a map of the SET area at www.orovalleyaz.gov/Police.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is asking residents in the SET areas to consider voluntarily relocating outside the affected areas with family or friends. A cooling shelter is available at Canyon Del Oro High School, 25 W. Calle Concordia, in Oro Valley. Find out more about the Ready, Set, Go! program at ein.az.gov/ready-set-go. Residents of Pima County are urged to sign up to receive emergency alerts at emergencyalerts.pima.gov/.
Closures remain in effect. Catalina State Park is closed. Large portions of the Coronado National Forest Santa Catalina Ranger District near the fire are restricted. View the closure order and map at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6741/.
Fire Information Phone Line: (520) 276-8981 and (520) 329-7439, 8AM-8PM
Media Phone Line: (520) 329-7640, 8AM-8PM
InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6741/
Facebook: facebook.com/coronadonf
Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona
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