Burro Fire grows to 25,000 acres in Catalina Mountains; 11 percent contained

Residents of the Summerhaven community on the mountaintop still cannot return home. They were evacuated Monday. The cause of the wildfire, which began June 30 in the foothills of Redington Pass near Burro Tank, remains under investigation.

Catalina Highway and Redington Pass Road remain closed.

Nearly 700 personnel are assigned to the fire, which has burned 25,090 acres, officials said. Eight helicopters, 47 engines and 27 water tenders are fighting the blaze, which is feeding off tall grass and brush, ponderosa pine and mixed conifer.

Crews made progress in securing the southern perimeter of the fire at Redington Pass Road with burnout operations over the last two days, which kept the fire from advancing, officials said.

Firefighters are building containment lines directly on the fire’s southeastern flank. Officials said the northeastern side of the fire is too dangerous for firefighters to work because of rough terrain, heavy fuel for the fire and a lack of escape routes, meaning only aircraft are attacking the blaze in that area.

Helicopters and air tankers are working the northeast flank, and firefighters are scouting the area and making plans to delay the fire’s growth.

Crews continue working along the Catalina Highway to protect structures, authorities said. Firefighters have reinforced areas around structures and have made plans to defend the highway should the fire threaten to advance west.

Handcrews are building fire lines on the fire’s edge and heavy equipment is being used on the southwest flank to clear vegetation and create a fire control line, authorities said.

Monsoon rains may occur by this weekend, which will help combat the fire, authorities said. However, before the rains arrive, thunderstorms and erratic winds that could gust up to 50 mph could move the Burro Fire quickly and create a dangerous environment for firefighters on the ground, officials said.