Lightning-Sparked Wildfire Burns In Santa Catalina Mountains Near Tucson

TUCSON, AZ — A small wildfire sparked by lightning is burning in the Santa Catalina Mountains northeast of Tucson, with firefighters on the ground and aircraft on standby as crews work to assess and contain the blaze.

The Ventana Fire was estimated at about 3 acres Monday morning and was 0% contained, according to a Coronado National Forest update.

No closures or evacuations are currently in place, officials said.

The fire started around 6:55 p.m. Saturday on the southeastern side of Mount Kimball.

Crews reported no visible smoke or flames Monday morning, though heat may still be lingering below the surface.

An infrared flight is planned for later Monday, when weather conditions allow, to check for remaining heat on the Ventana Fire and to look for any other possible ignitions in the Santa Catalinas.

Rappelers, ground crews and aviation resources remain available if conditions change. Crews worked through the night Saturday using full suppression tactics, and the fire received precipitation through the evening, which may have helped slow its spread.

Forest officials are also installing a portable emergency water reservoir near Catalina State Park to serve as a dip site for aircraft.

No structures or other values are currently threatened, according to fire officials.

Drone operators are being urged to stay clear of the area.

The Coronado National Forest has issued a temporary flight restriction and warned that anyone who endangers manned aircraft or interferes with wildfire suppression using an unmanned drone could face civil fines of up to $25,000 and possible criminal prosecution.