Atascosa Lookout, Built in 1930s, Lost in Murphy Fire

The Murphy Complex Fire (Includes the Murphy Fire and Pajarita Fire, and also called the Horseshoe Two Wildfire) which has been burning since May 30th has claimed the historic Atascosa Lookout Tower, built in the 1930s and renovated in 1999. The tower was a popular destination for hikers, providing shelter, and great views.

Inciweb reports the fire is now 75% contained. It is at 68,033 acres.

Here’s the rest of the Inciweb report:

“Predicted Weather Today: Temperature 93-98 degrees, relative humidity two to seven percent, wind direction south to southwest in the early morning becoming southwest by late morning at 5- 15 mph, with gusts to 25 mph.

Major problems: Steep rocky terrain and unseasonably dry fuels are leading to rapid runs and some long range spotting. Smoke impacts to the communities have greatly decreased around larger metropolitan areas to the north due to control of the fire. Threatened and endangered species habitat.

Summary: Fire activity is slow in the Pajarita Wilderness and Sycamore Canyon. Monitor fire’s progress in Sycamore Canyon. Continue prep on the southwest portion of the fire. Prep around structures in the area of Ruby, Arizona. Unburned islands of fuel showed active fire behavior today. The edge of the fire in the Pajarita Wilderness today moved toward Sycamore Canyon. Infrared imaging technology used aboard an aircraft that flew over the Complex last night, indicates that fire has begun to back into Sycamore Canyon. The north and east flanks of the Complex had little fire activity. The Murphy Fire Complex has burned approximately 2,250 acres in Mexico. Coordination is in place with the Mexican government on suppression activities. Today fire crews continued to focus their suppression efforts at the fire’s edge on the southwestern corner of the Complex. Progress has slowed in this area due to very difficult and steep terrain. Scouts are searching for a contingency line to the southwest.

Location: Nogales Ranger District in the Coronado National Forest
Five miles east of Arivaca, Arizona and four miles west of Tubac Arizona”

Source: Inciweb