A fire burning southwest of Kitt Peak has grown to 3,200 acres, an official said Friday.
The San Juan Fire forced the closure of the Kitt Peak National Observatory Wednesday. The Tohono O'odham Nation reported no structures were threatened. The observatory remains closed.
The blaze began Tuesday afternoon, but the cause is unknown, said Peter Delgado, a spokesman for the Tohono O'odham.
It is about 35 percent contained.
The fire is burning in a remote location in a canyon on a hillside, Delgado said.
It's hard to reach, but about 100 personnel were working on the fire Thursday. Five engines, a helicopter and three hand crews were at the scene.
Arizona 86, from Tucson to Ajo, was open, but state Route 386 to Kitt Peak was closed Thursday.
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The fire is one of two that are burning in Southern Arizona.
The Guthrie Fire has burned 400 acres in a remote area north of Redington Pass Road, said a Coronado National Forest press release. The fire, which was caused by lightning, is 20 percent contained, the release said.
Fire crews will let the fire burn within a set perimeter to get rid of excess vegetation, the press release said.
