Schewel, Heidi -FS
Thu 6/18/2020 9:41 AM
Bighorn Fire – June 18, 2020 Morning Update
Winds continue to challenge firefighters today
Acres: 31,208
Percent Containment: 40%
Start Date: June 5, 2020
Cause: Lightning
Origin Location: Santa Catalina Mountains
Personnel: 808
Injuries: 3 minor heat-related illnesses
Jurisdiction: Coronado National Forest, including portions of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness
Resources: 7 hotshot crews, 8 Type 2 hand crews, 2 Type 1 engines, 27 Type 3 engines, 1 Type 4 engines, 30 Type 6 engines, 3 Type 1 helicopters, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 4 Type 3 helicopters, 12 water tenders, 6 bulldozers
Yesterday, due to high winds, the fire made a large push to the north, growing by over 7,000 acres. Today, fire managers anticipate the fire will move towards Charouleau Gap, depending on wind direction and temperatures. Fire crews and air support are in place preparing and widening fire lines for this expected spread of the fire. On Mt. Lemmon, the fire moved through Oracle Ridge and generated spot fires in Stratton Canyon. Expect highly visible smoke as those areas burn together today. Crews working overnight implemented controlled burns along the Catalina Highway corridor. Firing operations will continue today, if necessary, to protect values at risk.
Air operations including fixed-wing airtankers were up early this morning, dropping water and fire retardant to slow the fire’s spread. Winds will continue to be a factor today, but less so than yesterday. The fire burning in the Ventana Canyon area and along Samaniego Ridge will be monitored by air support today. Minimal downslope backing of the fire is anticipated in that area. Crews will tie together the two containment lines north of the fire perimeter to protect the communities of Oracle and San Manuel.
Ready, Set, GO! encourages Arizonans to get READY by preparing now for what threatens their community, be SET by maintaining awareness of significant danger and to GO, evacuate immediately when the danger is current.
Evacuation Notices
GO – Evacuate
SET – Be Alert
READY – Prepare Now
Mt. Lemmon, Mt. Bigelow, and Lower Soldier HOA north of Organization Ridge Road including the community of Summerhaven
Community of Oracle
Lower Mt. Lemmon from Organization Ridge Road to South Willow Canyon
Portions of East Golder Ranch
Oro Valley area from Catalina State Park south to Magee Road
Tucson foothills area from First Avenue east to Alvernon Way
Visit pima.gov/bighorn for the most up-to-date information on evacuation notices, an interactive map, and county resources. Sign up to receive Pima County emergency alerts at myalerts.pima.gov and Pinal County alerts at pinalcountyaz.gov/emergencymanagement.
Closures: The Coronado National Forest closure order includes Sabino and Bear Canyons. Catalina State Park is closed. View the closure orders and maps at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6741/. Catalina Highway is closed to the public at milepost zero. Only residents and business owners may pass. Oracle Control Road is closed.
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/bighornfireinfo
Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona
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