Mount Lemmon wildfire updates: Catalina Highway near Tucson closed
A fire on Mount Lemmon near Tucson that broke out on Sunday is about 70% contained as of Monday morning, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
On Sunday, evacuations were ordered at the Molino Basin Campground, Gordon Hirabayashi Campground and General Hitchcock Campground. Catalina Highway, also known as Mt Lemmon Highway, is closed to all nonresidents.
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The wildfire began in the bowl of the Molino Basin near a popular shooting area and is moving up both sides of the ridgeline north and south. The Forest Service guidelines advise that target shooters should avoid shooting in areas with flammable materials such as dry grass, as ricochets can cause wildfires.
The Coronado National Forest said it is too early in the investigation to name a suspect, confirm if any charges will be made, or give any further details regarding the cause.
In total, the fire has covered around 150-200 acres, and as of Monday morning, it is covering about 80 acres. No structures, homes or subjects have been endangered, according to the Pima County Sheriff's Office.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mount Lemmon wildfire updates: Catalina Highway outside Tucson closed
