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Bighorn Fire spreads to within a mile of Tucson suburbs

Author Bill GabbertPosted on Categories WildfireTags ,

It has burned over 4,700 acres

A DC-10 Very Large Air Tanker drops retardant near Pontatoc Ridge on the Bighorn Fire north of Tucson, June 11, 2020. Photo by Tim Peterson.
A DC-10 Very Large Air Tanker drops retardant near Pontatoc Ridge on the Bighorn Fire north of Tucson, June 11, 2020. Photo by Tim Peterson.

The Bighorn Fire has spread to within a mile of the northern suburbs of Tucson, Arizona. Since the fire started from lightning on June 5 it has burned 4,769 acres, less than a mile from the northernmost suburbs of Tucson.

The fire was active Wednesday night, with flames being pushed downhill by downslope winds. On Thursday temperatures up to 106 degrees with low humidity will increase fire activity and it will again be highly visible on the front range of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Crews will work to hold the fire perimeter and continue building fire line, tying into control features such as roads and rock outcroppings. Aerial resources will support the crews on the ground with water and retardant drops.

Over the next several days communities can expect to see crews and apparatus working in and around subdivisions in the Catalina Foothills.

Resources assigned to the fire include 9 hand crews, 15 fire engines, 7 helicopters, and 10 water tenders.

DC-10 air tanker drops retardant tucson
Map showing the location of the Bighorn Fire at 4:12 a.m. MDT June 11, 2020. (at the arrow)

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

8 thoughts on “Bighorn Fire spreads to within a mile of Tucson suburbs”

  1. To see some great photos of working tankers and helicopters go to tucson.com which is the Arizona Star’s site and the KOLD TV site. There are many great and breathtaking pictures there taken from the air. I take all hats off to those fliers, both copters and tankers. What a dance that must be in real time. They should have a gunner to down those drones!!!!

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  3. Seems to me that tanker was a bit late to the party, did it have to get to this?

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    1. Richard, we’re you on scene? In an Operations role? Looking for your basis for this comment.

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      1. Would agree. The Santa Catalinas are unforgiving at best. Aircraft were on scene starting at 0730. NICC controls the early up for AT’s. Initial location could not be worked with retardant. It’s not the be all end all for if you will catch a fire or not.

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  5. Bill ,
    Great write up, on the Big Horn fire . Wonderful shot of the DC -10 tanker drop !!
    Thanks for that!

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