Deer Head Fire Grows Slightly

News Release Date: August 8, 2014

Contact: Fire Information Hotline, [phone]

Tucson, AZ – Global positioning instrument surveys of the Deer Head Fire indicate that it has grown slightly to 1,076 acres. The lightning caused fire is being managed for natural resource benefits, in the federally-designated Wilderness area of the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park.

Firefighters continued burnout operations along the south perimeter of the fire between constructed fire lines and the fire on Thursday. It continues to burn in Wilderness, where it is functioning in its natural role, helping reduce fuel loads and maintaining wildlife habitat. The fire is most active on its eastern and southeastern flanks, and firefighters continue to direct the fire’s spread away from important resources in the area, such as the historic Manning Camp. Firefighters will continue burnout operations on the fire’s south perimeter today, as part of the strategy of keeping the fire east of Heartbreak Ridge and north of the Devil’s Bathtub Trail. Firefighter safety continues to be a primary concern.

Weather forecasts indicate increasing moisture and slight chances of showers and thunderstorms today, with increasing chances through the weekend. Winds at the fire, from the northwest, have been taking the smoke away from Tucson area. The haze visible today may be due largely to increasing humidity and stagnant air under the high pressure system that has been bringing us high temperatures. Air quality monitoring by Pima County Department of Environmental Quality indicates "good" air quality so far today.

Firefighters, personnel and equipment from a number of local, state and federal agencies, including the Rincon Valley Fire District and Arizona Department of Transportation, continue to assist Saguaro National Park with the fire. Federal agencies include the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. A contract helicopter from Aero Tech of Clovis, New Mexico is flying reconnaissance missions and, along with mule trains, is ferrying supplies to firefighters and is supporting firefighters with water bucket drops.

It is still dry, and visitors are reminded to continue exercising caution and to use only designated areas for campfires. Hikers should also be aware of lightning from passing thunderstorms. All Rincon Mountain District backcountry closures will remain in effect for the duration of the Deer Head Fire to ensure public safety.

For additional fire information visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or: https://Facebook.com/SaguaroNationalPark or call the Fire Information Hotline at [phone].