Authorities expect to reopen the Catalina Highway to the public on Friday morning โ allowing travel up Mount Lemmon while perimeters to the active Burro Fire remain in place.
People will be allowed back on the mountain to hike, spend time at their favorite recreational spot or dine and shop in Summerhaven, said Ken Born, Santa Catalina District ranger for the U.S. Forest Service, giving examples.
However, certain areas on the mountain will remain closed as the blaze continues to burn, Born said. Fire restrictions for mountain visitors, including bans on open fires and flames, will still be enforced.
On Tuesday night, officials said there had been no growth in the Burro Fire in the previous 48 hours because of firefightersโ containment efforts and rain. No buildings are threatened.
Monsoon rains in the Santa Catalina Mountains were a big help to firefighters working the fire, which broke out June 30 in the foothills of Redington Pass near Burro Tank.
As of Tuesday evening, crews had 74 percent of the Burro Fire contained. The fire has burned more than 27,238 acres. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
The highway was opened on Monday afternoon only to residents and those who work on Mount Lemmon, after an evacuation was ordered July 3. Redington Road also reopened, to all traffic.
