Tucson Region

Florida Fire doubles in size; homes still safe

A blaze started by lightning in the Santa Rita Mountains more than doubled in size Sunday as more trails were closed to help firefighters contain it, officials said. The Florida Fire had charred 820 acres by Sunday, though no structures or homes were threatened by the fire, which is burning in a wilderness area of Coronado National Forest near Madera Canyon about 40 miles south of Tucson. That is nearly 500 acres more than Saturday, when firefighters estimated the blaze had burned 350 acres. The popular recreational area of Madera Canyon was not in danger, as the fire crept west up the Florida Saddle, said Marylee Peterson, a Coronado National Forest spokeswoman. Difficult terrain and searing temperatures - Tucson recorded a high of 104 degrees Sunday - made it hard for the 430 firefighters and support staff to establish containment lines, Peterson said. Firefighters also had to contend with bears in the area, she said. Containment lines are being drawn along trails and other natural fuel breaks, but the fire is nowhere near being contained. Peterson said earlier predictions that the blaze would grow to 15,000 acres and burn for about a week were still accurate Sunday. Winds were causing difficulties for firefighters Sunday as the fire burned through overgrown pines, sending smoke plumes visible from Tucson skyward. Smoke from the blaze has made its way to New Mexico, Peterson said. Four air tankers, smaller planes and helicopters were all making regular drops throughout the weekend. While surrounding homes and businesses in Madera Canyon weren't expected to be evacuated in the near future, all recreation trails near the fire in the Santa Ritas were closed to the public at 6 a.m. Sunday, Peterson said. The closure allows firefighters unfettered access to all sides of the fire while also protecting the public, Peterson said. Nearby Mount Hopkins, home to seven telescopes used by national research organizations and the University of Arizona, was not in danger, Peterson said. Guests were still checked in at the Chuparosa Inn in Madera Canyon on Saturday as the fire line was being drawn about five miles from the bed and breakfast. While visitors are still allowed into Madera and Box canyons, anyone who goes there should be cautious, Peterson said.