Tanque Verde Ridge Fire (Trail CLOSED)

[Jeffshadows]

Saguaro National Park News Release 11-32

For Immediate Release
September 1, 2011
Contact: Saguaro National Park Fire Information Hotline at (520) 733-5150


Ridge Fire Ignited by Lightning in

Saguaro National Park’s Rincon Mountains



Tucson, AZ – A lightning-ignited fire was discovered today in the Rincon Mountains, on Tanque Verde Ridge at an elevation of approximately 4,900 feet. The fire was first detected at 3:50 pm today, and is estimated to be 1 acre. The fire is burning mainly in grass, with some oak and juniper.

The fire is being managed for resource benefits. The fire is burning within the Saguaro Wilderness, where it is carrying out its natural role, helping to reduce fuel loading and maintaining wildlife habitat. At this time fire managers plan to monitor the fire from the ground and air, until it is naturally extinguished by rainfall or high humidity. A full range of actions to delay, direct, or minimize the spread of fire will be considered as needed. There are no structures currently being threatened by the fire.

Lightning-caused fires have been a part of the park’s forest ecosystems for thousands of years. Saguaro National Park was one of the first national parks in the country to manage natural ignition fires for resource benefits, beginning with the 1971 Kodak Fire.

Saguaro National Park remains OPEN. The Tanque Verde Ridge Trail and Juniper Basin Campground are closed until further notice.

For updated information call the park’s Fire Information Hotline at (520) 733-515