Wildfire — Pima, Arizona

2003-07-01 to 2003-07-15 · near Summerhaven, Pima, Arizona

Wider weather episode

The Aspen wildfire started on June 17th in the Catalina Mountains by an unknown hiker on the Marshall Gulch and Aspen Loop trail. The Fire was first observed on the south face portion of Marshall Peak around 7000 feet. On June 19th, winds increased across Southeast Arizona with the highest winds recorded at Hopkins RAWS site (south of Catalina Mountains). Sustained winds of 23 knots (26 mph) and gusts up to 42 knots (48 mph) were recorded at this site for one hour during the afternoon. The combination of strong winds and low relative humidity pushed the fire northeast into the town of Summerhaven on top of Mt. Lemmon. Numerous structures were destroyed including the Alpine Lodge, Pima county transportation facility, Post Office, and many others. In all the fire consumed a total of 84,750 acres and 333 structures lost. Damage estimates indicated total poperty damage was $66 million, supression costs were $16 milliion, and loss of trees and resources were $33 million.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5330440. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.