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Contact: Andy L Fisher, 520-733-5139
Tucson, AZ – Due to the Mica Bowl and Spud Rock fires burning in the Rincon Mountains, Saguaro National Park has closed Manning Camp Campground in addition to the previously closed Spud Rock Campground as well as all trails on Mica Mountain east of the Arizona Trail to provide for public safety. The Arizona Trail remains open, however segments may be subject to short notice closure or hiker escort through the area, dependent upon fire activity.Closed Wilderness Campgrounds include:
• Manning Camp Campground
• Spud Rock Campground
Closed trails include:
• Heartbreak Ridge
• Turkey Creek
• Deerhead Spring
• East Slope
• Devil’s Bathtub
• Mica Meadow
• Bonita
• Fire Loop
Rain and humidity continue to help to moderate fire activity on the lightning ignited Spud Rock and Mica Bowl Fires. The Rincon Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS), located near Manning Camp, received approximately 0.30” inches of rain in on Thursday, August 20.
The Mica Bowl fire is estimated at 26 acres with minimal fire activity and limited growth. This fire continues to be held in a drainage to the east and a rocky outcropping to the west. Taking advantage of these natural holding features is generally the most effective, safest, cost efficient tactic. It also minimizes impacts in the Saguaro Wilderness. Firefighters continue to monitor the fire and will take action as needed.
The Spud Rock fire is estimated at 360 acres with low to moderate fire activity and slow creeping growth in all directions. Fire managers plan to reinforce the existing trail system to limit the fire’s spread. Firefighters are working to keep fire east of the Arizona Trail, south of the Mica Meadow Trail, north of the Devil’s Bathtub Trails, and west of the newly constructed fire line from the base of Reef Rock to Spud Rock Campground. Existing trails are being reinforced by scraping down to bare mineral soil and, where appropriate, using drip torches to strengthen their ability to reduce the fire’s spread.
Challenges include extreme heat and logistical complexities associated with supporting firefighters with food, water, supplies, and medical response while working in remote areas. Firefighters have used both pack mule strings as well has helicopters to shuttle staff and supplies to the Manning Camp.
Continued humidity and increasing chances of rain are expected to continue through the weekend.
Smoke remains visible from Tucson, Redington Pass, Vail, Mescal, and the surrounding area.
For updated information please call the park’s Fire Information Hotline at (520) 733-5150.
Last updated: October 16, 2020