ARIZONA NEWS

Bighorn Fire near Tucson consumes over 23,000 acres, 40% contained

Jun 17, 2020, 9:30 PM | Updated: 9:47 pm

PHOENIX – The Bighorn Fire in southern Arizona’s Catalina Mountains near Tucson has burned 23,892 acres and remained 40% contained Wednesday night.

Wednesday morning, the blaze had consumed about 17,492 acres.

The lightning-caused fire forced residents near Mount Lemmon, Mount Bigelow, Lower Soldier HOA and the community of Summerhaven to evacuate Tuesday.

People living near Lower Catalina Highway and Lower Mount Lemmon from Organization Ridge Road to South Willow Canyon could potentially be evacuated as well.

Catalina Foothills, Golder Ranch and Oro Valley are also on notice for potential evacuations.

The Bighorn Fire had consumed 15,805 acres and was 40% contained as of Tuesday night, according to authorities.

There are 700 personnel battling the blaze.

According to officials, crew continue to reinforce the fire line around surrounding communities and create defensible space near homes and businesses.

A red flag warning will be in place Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., which could limit air resources in the afternoon.

High temperatures and gusty winds have created challenging conditions for firefighters, who also are dealing with steep, rocky terrain.

Catalina State Park is closed because of the fire, and portions of the Coronado National Forest Santa Catalina Ranger District are restricted. Catalina Highway is also closed at milepost zero except for residents and business owners.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

A teenager was fatally wounded in a shooting on Oct. 30, 2024, according to the Phoenix Police Depa...

KTAR.com

Police trying to identify suspect after teen killed in south Phoenix shooting

Police are trying to identify a suspect in a south Phoenix shooting that claimed the life of a teenager earlier this week.

5 hours ago

Apache County Attorney Michael Whiting...

Associated Press

Apache County Attorney has salary stripped, law license suspended

The Apache County Attorney who faces criminal charges of misusing public funds will be stripped of his salary just days before standing unopposed for reelection as a Democrat.

7 hours ago

Maricopa County employees...

Associated Press

Maricopa County employees taking on extra shifts to help process early ballots

Maricopa County employees are taking on extra shifts to help election workers with an around-the-clock operation to process early ballots that are an unusually long two pages.

9 hours ago

Phoenix Children's...

Angela Gonzales/Phoenix Business Journal

Phoenix Children’s walks away from giant health insurance contract

Phoenix Children's, one of the nation's largest pediatric health systems, turned down an $80 million offer from one of Arizona's largest health insurers in a heated contract dispute.

10 hours ago

Judge gavel and baby crib...

Payne Moses

Suspect arrested 38 years after sexual assault, kidnapping case opened in Phoenix

After 38 years, a suspect accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a Phoenix toddler was identified and arrested.

11 hours ago

Follow @KTAR923...

Sponsored Content by Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Act Now: Secure Your HVAC Equipment Before Prices Rise in 2025!

Phoenix, AZ – As the year draws to a close, Collins Comfort Masters is urging homeowners and businesses to take advantage of current pricing on HVAC equipment.

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Leading the Way in HVAC and Plumbing Services in Arizona

Tempe, AZ – Since its inception in 1985, Collins Comfort Masters has been a cornerstone in the HVAC and plumbing industry in Phoenix and the surrounding Valley.

...

Dr. Shanyn Lancaster, Family & Sports Medicine physician, Midwestern University Comprehensive Care Clinic – Central Phoenix

Exercise is truly your best medicine

“You never slow down, you never grow old”. – Tom Petty

Bighorn Fire near Tucson consumes over 23,000 acres, 40% contained