2020-NWCG-6969

136669

Spud Rock Fire

Friday, December 11, 2020 8:08 AM MST
(3 months ago)

Thursday, August 13, 2020 9:30 AM MST
(7 months ago)

Arizona

Wildfire

12.7 miles ESE of Tanque Verde, AZ

Spud Rock Fire News - Photos - Videos - Maps 

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Overview: Saguaro National Park responded to two lightning fires (the Spud Rock Fire and the Mica Bowl Fire) reported following a thunderstorm that passed through the Rincon Mountains on August 13. The fires are burning in remote areas, in high elevation areas within the Saguaro Wilderness. 
 
Fire managers have take action to protect values at risk, including the Manning Camp Historic Cabin, the Rincon Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS), a park radio repeater, sensitive wildlife habitat, and recreation infrastructure, as needed, where they can do so safely and effectively. Periodic fires in the past have resulted in a mosaic of areas that have burned at different times, helping reduce the buildup of vegetation available to burn during the current wildfires. 

Challenges include extreme heat and logistical complexities associated with supporting firefighters with food, water, supplies, and medical response while working in remote areas. Pack mules and a helicopter have been used to support firefighters as needed. 

Closures: All campgrounds and trails closed due to the Spud Rock and Mica Bowl Fires reopened for visitor use on Friday, September 11. 

Camping permits for all six wilderness campgrounds, including the Manning Camp and Spud Rock Campgrounds, in Saguaro National Park can be only be obtained from Recreation.gov website. 

Hikers should use extra caution and stay on the trail when hiking through burned areas.  There may still be some fire burning, including within stump holes causing weak and unstable ground which may be difficult to identify.  Trails may be slick with fallen pine needles or ash and some fire weakened trees may still fall.  Watch for flash flooding, rolling debris and erosion during rain events.  It is also possible that smoke may settle into low areas overnight, including within campgrounds.

Smoke may be visible from the Tucson, Redington Pass, Vail, Mescal, and the surrounding area.  Information about smoke and air quality.

Wildfire

Lightning

Thursday August 13th, 2020 approx. 04:30 PM

32.203, -110.542

760

100%

Ponderosa Pine/Timber litter

Fire Activity on the Mica Bowl Fire is minimal with no growth and no smoke observed.

Spud Rock Fire activity remains low.

Firefighters contained the Spud Rock within the trail system on Mica Mountain and continue to work to repair trails and rehabilitate sensitive habitat and resource values at risk from the fire.

On Friday, September 11, Saguaro National Park reopened both the Spud Rock and Manning Camp Campgrounds, and all the trails which were closed due to fire.

Hikers should use extra caution and stay on the trail when hiking through burned areas. There may still be some fire burning, including within stump holes causing weak and unstable ground which may be difficult to identify. Trails may be slick with fallen pine needles or ash and some fire weakened trees may still fall. Watch for flash flooding, rolling debris and erosion during rain events. It is also possible that smoke may settle into low areas overnight, including within campgrounds.

Fire Info Hotline
Phone: 520-733-5150

Saguaro National Park
National Park Service
Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85730