Aerial resources are expected to remain over the fire all day as long as lightning is not present in the area. Fire behavior remains typical for the Contreras Fire, with an increased movement upslope, pushed by winds and extremely dry fuels made up of brush and short grass. On the north end of the fire along Highway 86, and toward the Pan Tak and Cowtown communities, fire behavior will be monitored closely with the addition of extra crews and engines. Toward these areas, there will be opportunity for direct attack by crews and air support due to moderate terrain and sparse vegetation.
Structure protection crews remain in the Kitt Peak Observatory and Pan Tak areas. Assessments of the Kitt Peak Observatory will commence today if conditions allow for safe entry into the area. Initial assessment indicates that all the domes and other scientific facilities have been protected from the worst part of the fire to date. Four non-scientific buildings on the west side of the Observatory property were lost in the fire. Structure protection crews have successfully placed defensible lines around all remaining structures.
Read more on this story at the Arizona Infomation Center
