Bighorn Fire: 74,547 Acres Burned, 33% Contained

TUCSON, AZ — The Bighorn Fire near Tucson has grown to 74,547 acres, officials said in a briefing on Wednesday. Like on Tuesday, the fire remains at 33 percent containment.

Officials said the southwest end of the fire remains largely under control, and fire crews will work Wednesday to try to control the burn into a wet drainage area, where officials hope it will stall out.

Similarly, the fire's northwest edge is also moving slowly thanks to a change in fuel type. Officials said the blaze is hung up on lighter fuel, limiting spread.

Overnight, fire crews worked to burn out the low-intensity fire in the Oracle Ridge and Rice Peak area. Officials said the goal for Wednesday is to shore up the containment line in the area, combating southwestern winds that otherwise could help spread the fire in the area.

On Facebook, fire officials said Wednesday is set to be Tucson's hottest-yet day for 2020. High heat, combined with low humidity, means rapid spread is possible.

The following areas are under "GO," or evacuation, orders:

• Mt. Lemmon
• Summerhaven
• Mt. Bigelow
• Lower Catalina Highway/Lower Mt. Lemmon Communities from Organization Ridge Road to South Willow Canyon

These regions are under "SET - Be Alert" orders:

• Community of Oracle
• Portions of east Golder Ranch area
• Catalina Foothills between Alvernon Way and Sabino Canyon Road, north of Skyline Drive
• Peppersauce Canyon to Highjinks Road and Campo Bonito

Lastly, these areas are under "READY - Prepare Now" orders in case the fire spreads rapidly.

• Oro Valley areas from Catalina State Park south to Magee Road
• Catalina foothills areas from First Avenue to Alvernon Way

Evacuation notices are posted online at the Bighorn Fire and Pima County websites.
Residents and travelers should also note that the Coronado National Forest, Sabino and Bear

Canyons and Catalina State Park are closed. Catalina highway is closed to the public at mile zero, and Oracle Control Road is closed. Real time closure updates can be found online, and a map of closed roadways and geographic areas is also available.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts through Pima County or through the Office of Emergency Management.