You are here

Home » Fire And Water Exact Tolls On Saguaro National Park

Fire And Water Exact Tolls On Saguaro National Park

Share

Published Date

August 13, 2014

Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona has been handed a double-whammy in the form of fire and water. First a wildfire burned more than 1,000 acres, and now monsoon rains have washed out some roads.

The Deer Head Fire, which was sparked by lightning in the Saguaro Wilderness Area within the Rincon Mountain District, had burned 1,097 acres through Tuesday and was roughly 55 percent contained. While firefighters worked to keep the flames away from the historic Manning Camp, most other areas of the fire were allowed to burn while being monitored.

Lightning-ignited fires are important in maintaining healthy forests in the mountains of southern Arizona. Fire historically burned through the high elevation ponderosa pine forests of southeastern Arizona every few years. This low to moderate intensity surface fire is benefitting a fire-adapted ecosystem by clearing the forest floor of brush, grass, and ponderosa pine and oak litter, improving wildlife habitat and reducing hazardous fuel loads. 

 

But while the monsoons that arrived this week helped the firefighters, they also caused flash flooding in the park's Tucson Mountain (West) District. The flooding Tuesday afternoon "damaged and washed out many segments of the Scenic Bajada Loop Drive. As a result, all of the dirt roads in the Tucson Mountain (West) District, except the segment leading to the Sus Picnic Area, have been closed at this time. Closed roads include Hohokam Road and Golden Gate Road," a park release noted.

"Paved roads in the area, such as Kinney Road, Sandario Road and Picture Rocks Road remain open, though drivers and cyclists are cautioned that there may still be debris and flooding in area dependent on weather conditions."

Park crews were working to repair the damaged roads, and notifications were to be posted on the park'™s website as updates on road conditions are available. At this time, all trails in the Tucson Mountain (West) District remain open, though visitors are advised to be aware that there may be additional rain and resulting erosion in the area.

Alternate Text
Red lines signify which roads have been closed by flooding/NPS

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.