Recent monsoonal activity has sparked several fires across the state, from the Rincon Mountain in southern Arizona to the Hualapai Mountains in the north.
The Ridge Fire started Sunday August 16 in south of Kingman, approximately 5 miles south of the community of Pine Lake, as the result of passing thunderstorms. Rain from those storms was not widespread with many areas not receiving moisture.
Dry and plentiful chapparal and grass is fueling the Ridge Fire which has been observed making short uphill runs and occasional single tree torching during the heat of the day. Firefighters are also experiencing strong and gusty outflow winds from surrounding thunderstorms which increases the fire behavior, in addition to working during excessive heat warnings.
Saguaro National Park is responding to two lightning fires (the Spud Rock Fire and the Mica Bowl Fire) reported following a thunderstorm that passed through the Rincon Mountains on August 13. The fires are burning in remote areas, in high elevation areas within the Saguaro Wilderness.
Due to the Mica Bowl and Spud Rock fires burning in the Rincon Mountains. Saguaro National Park has closed Spud Rock Wilderness Campground and all trails on Mica Mountain east of the Arizona Trail. The Arizona Trail remains open, however segments may be subject to short notice closure dependent upon fire activity. Closed trails include:
Heartbreak Ridge
Turkey Creek
Deerhead Spring
East Slope
Devil’s Bathtub
Mica Meadow
Bonita
Fire Loop