Limits result from fires

Though monsoonal moisture is expected to swoop from Mexico and save us all any day now, such hope didn’t stop the Coronado National Forest from issuing first-level, forest-wide fire restrictions.

A small fire with big potential to rip through Madera Canyon last week played a part in the restrictions. So did a fire east of Tubac that virtually was contained Saturday.

The fire near Madera Canyon burned 95 acres. The fire east of Tubac in the Santa Rita Mountains burned 750 acres as of Saturday night, with firefighters continuing to monitor hot spots.

As of 8 a.m. Saturday, it was illegal to have a campfire or a charcoal grill anywhere on the forest, except for developed recreation sites (like Madera Canyon) where grills are provided. Gas stoves and lanterns that meet safety specifications were allowed.

Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the forest expect in an enclosed vehicle or building, and fireworks are banned from the forest, as they are from all of Arizona.

The monsoon is expected to start sometime this week, likely after the Fourth of July, said John Glueck, a meteorologist with the National Weather Center in Tucson. This year’s storm season should be “normal,” said Glueck, who has watched the summer rainy season for the last 13 years.

Should one fail to heed the forest’s fire restrictions, expect a fine of up to $5,000, six months in jail, or both.

The fire near Tubac was brought under control Saturday after large air tankers, a large helicopter, two single-engine tanker planes and other equipment were brought into the scene.

Tim Hull is a freelance writer. He can be reached at trhull@gmail.com