Two lightning-sparked wildfires burning in the Saguaro National Park's Rincon Mountains closed two campgrounds and a host of trails on Saturday, officials said.Â
The Manning Camp and Spud Rock campgrounds have closed due to the Spud Rock and Mica Bowl fires burning for the past week. Â
Park officials say the Spud Rock Fire has grown to approximately 360 acres by Saturday afternoon. It's burning ponderosa pine and timber with âcreeping growthâ in all directions.
Crews are working to keep the blaze east of the Arizona Trail and other trails by scraping down the areas to bare mineral soil to prevent its spread.
They are expecting less fire activity with rain forecasted for the weekend.
âChallenges include extreme heat and logistical complexities associated with supporting firefighters with food, water, supplies, and medical response while working in remote areas,â officials said. âFirefighters have used both pack mule strings as well has helicopters to shuttle staff and supplies to the Manning Camp.â
Firefighters are also monitoring the 26-acre Mica Bowl Fire, which is producing minimal activity, burning between a mountain drainage and rocky outcropping.
âTaking advantage of these natural holding features is generally the most effective, safest, cost-efficient tactic. It also minimizes impacts in the Saguaro Wilderness,â park officials said.
The following trails are closed due to the fires:
âĸ Heartbreak Ridge
âĸ Turkey Creek
âĸ Deerhead Spring
âĸ East Slope
âĸ Devilâs Bathtub
âĸ Mica Meadow
âĸ Bonita
âĸ Fire Loop
The Arizona Trail remains open, but for safety concerns, âsegments may be subject to short notice closure or hiker escort through the area, dependent upon fire activity,â park officials said.
Smoke will remain visible to residents in the Tucson, Redington Pass, Vail, Mescal, and the surrounding area.
Photos: Spud Rock Fire burning in Saguaro National Park near Tucson
Spud Rock Fire
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Smoke from the Spud Rock Fire, which has burned more than 300 acres, drifts over the Rincon Mountains east of Tucson, Ariz., August 19, 2020.
Spud Rock Fire
Updated
Flames and smoke from the Spud Rock Fire, burning more than 300 acres, drifts over the Rincon Mountains east of Tucson, Ariz., August 19, 2020.
Spud Rock Fire, 2020
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The Spud Rock Fire burning near Manning Camp in the Rincon Mountains, Saguaro National Park.
Spud Rock Fire, 2020
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The Spud Rock Fire and the Mica Bowl Fire in the Rincon Mountains, Saguaro National Park.
Spud Rock Fire, 2020
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The Spud Rock Fire burning near Manning Camp in the Rincon Mountains, Saguaro National Park.
Spud Rock Fire, 2020
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The Spud Rock Fire burning near Manning Camp in the Rincon Mountains, Saguaro National Park.
Spud Rock Fire, 2020
Updated
The Spud Rock Fire burning near Manning Camp in the Rincon Mountains, Saguaro National Park.
