News Release

Box Fire Fully Contained

Date: June 16, 2026

TUCSON, Ariz. – With minimal fire behavior and no growth, containment on the Box Fire in Saguaro National Park increased to 100% on Tuesday. Infrared (IR) flights on Monday and Tuesday afternoon showed very little heat inside the burn area. The fire will continue to be monitored by IR flights, and resources will be released to assist with other wildland fire response as needed. The Southeast Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team will transfer command of the fire back to Saguaro National Park on Wednesday morning.

Investigators have determined that the Box Fire was caused by the crash of a paramotor, a motorized ultralight aircraft, in Box Canyon west of Juniper Basin Campground on the morning of June 13. Emergency responders responded to the scene and located the pilot who was transported to the local coroner's office. The incident remains under investigation.

Temporary closures in the park have been lifted, and all Saguaro National Park trails and campgrounds are now open.