Photos: Spud Rock Fire burning in Saguaro National Park near Tucson
The lightning-caused Spud Rock and Mica Bowl fires are burning in Ponderosa pines in the the higher elevations of the Rincon Mountains within Saguaro National Park, as of Aug. 13, 2020. The Spud Rock Fire has burned more than 300 acres. Firefighters are in the mountains monitoring the fires and scouting the Manning Camp Historic Cabin, the Rincon Remote Automated Weather Station, affected by the Spud Rock Fire, as well and other sites in the area, according to the National Park Service. Firefighters have been clearing vegetation from nearby trails to serve as fire breaks. The Spud Rock Wilderness Campground and all trails in the Mica Mountain west of the Arizona Trail have been closed. The Arizona Trail itself remains open, though is subject to future fire activity, per NPS.
A Type 3 Incident Commander has taken over management of the fire. Firefighting resources include the local Saguaro Wildland Fire Module, one helicopter, and personnel providing planning, logistics, finance, and public information support.
Spud Rock Fire
Smoke from the Spud Rock Fire, which has burned more than 300 acres, drifts over the Rincon Mountains east of Tucson, Ariz., August 19, 2020.
Spud Rock Fire
Flames and smoke from the Spud Rock Fire, burning more than 300 acres, drifts over the Rincon Mountains east of Tucson, Ariz., August 19, 2020.
Spud Rock Fire, 2020
The Spud Rock Fire burning near Manning Camp in the Rincon Mountains, Saguaro National Park.
Spud Rock Fire, 2020
The Spud Rock Fire and the Mica Bowl Fire in the Rincon Mountains, Saguaro National Park.
Spud Rock Fire, 2020
The Spud Rock Fire burning near Manning Camp in the Rincon Mountains, Saguaro National Park.
Spud Rock Fire, 2020
The Spud Rock Fire burning near Manning Camp in the Rincon Mountains, Saguaro National Park.
Spud Rock Fire, 2020
The Spud Rock Fire burning near Manning Camp in the Rincon Mountains, Saguaro National Park.
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
Kelly Presnell
Photojournalist
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The Manning Camp and Spud Rock campgrounds are closed due to the two lighting-sparked wildfires burning in the Rincon Mountains east of Tucson.
Some residents in Cochise County told to be prepared in case there are evacuations ordered