Summerhaven moves into “SET-Be Alert” status as fire moves eastward

 Bighorn Fire – June 14, 2020 Evening Update

Summerhaven moves into “SET-Be Alert” status as fire moves eastward

Acres: 13,200

Percent Containment: 22%

Start Date: June 5, 2020

Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Santa Catalina Mountains

Personnel: 633

Injuries: 3 minor heat-related illnesses

Jurisdiction: Coronado National Forest, including portions of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness

Resources: 6 hotshot crews, 5 Type 2 hand crews, 1 Type 1 engine, 26 Type 3 engines, 1 Type 4 engine, 26 Type 6 engines, 4 Type 1 helicopters, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 2 Type 3 helicopters, 11 water tenders, 7 bulldozers

The east flank of the Bighorn Fire is most active in the area between Buster Spring and Cargodera Spring, putting up thick smoke that is visible from the community of Summerhaven. Overnight, crews working on Mt. Lemmon will monitor the fire progression to the northeast and are prepared to initiate firing operations as needed to secure that section of the perimeter.

Pima County Sheriff’s Department has closed Catalina Highway to the public at milepost zero. Only residents and business owners may pass.  

Fire will be wind-driven into the night, carried through grass and mesquite to the northeast. Winds may also stoke fire in upper reaches of Ventana and Esperero Canyons, with flames visible on the front range of the Santa Catalina Mountains.  

Crews increased containment along the western and southern edges of the fire today, bringing the containment percentage up to 22%. Firefighters will continue to patrol those areas to ensure the containment lines are not compromised.

Evacuation Notices:

·       The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has placed portions of Mt. Lemmon and Mt. Bigelow in “SET – Be Alert” status north of Organization Ridge Road Area, including Summerhaven. Prepare a “go kit” and include such items as prescription medication and important documents.

·       Residents in the vicinity of East Golder Ranch Drive and East Rollins Road formerly set to “GO! – Evacuate” have been downgraded to "SET - Be Alert” by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Residents who evacuated may return to their residences.

·       SET evacuation notices for portions of the Catalina Foothills, Golder Ranch and Oro Valley remain in place.

Residents are urged to sign up to receive emergency alerts at myalerts.pima.gov.

Visit pima.gov/bighorn for the most up-to-date information on evacuation notices and county resources.

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/bighornfireinfo