Deer Head Fire Operations Scale Down

Date: August 13, 2014
Contact: Fire Information Hotline, [phone]

Tucson, AZ - The Deer Head Fire remains approximately 1,097 acres and 75% contained. Firefighters will begin demobilizing from the Deer Head Fire today, as recent monsoon conditions have slowed the fire's progress. The 10-person Sequoia Type 2 Wildland Fire Module will demobilize from the fire this morning, with the 10-person hand crew from Yellowstone National Park expected to demobilize on Friday. The seven person Saguaro Wildland Fire Module, along with local overhead resources, will continue to staff the Deer Head Fire.

Increasing moisture and humidity over the last several days and Tuesday's rains have slowed the fire's progression. The area of the Deer Head Fire received 0.63" of rain on Tuesday. The weather forecast for the area calls for numerous showers and thunderstorms this evening. Thunderstorm activity is expected to decrease on Friday and Saturday.

On Tuesday, firefighters continued rehabilitating trails and fire lines within areas of the fire which are no longer active. Firefighters will continue rehabilitation activities on Wednesday, as weather allows. The rain and humidity have reduced the fire's activity. However, firefighters will continue to monitor the fire's behavior to ensure that it remains in an area where they can safely manage it.

The lightning-caused fire is located in the federally-designated Wilderness area of the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. Lightning-ignited fires are important in maintaining healthy forests in the mountains of southern Arizona. Fire historically burned through the high elevation ponderosa pine forests of southeastern Arizona every few years. This low to moderate intensity surface fire is benefiting a fire-adapted ecosystem by clearing the forest floor of brush, grass, and ponderosa pine and oak litter, improving wildlife habitat and reducing hazardous fuel loads.

All Rincon Mountain District backcountry closures will remain in effect for the duration of the Deer Head Fire to ensure public safety.

For additional fire information visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or: https://Facebook.com/SaguaroNationalPark or call the Fire Information Hotline at [phone].