200 homes burn on Mount Lemmon; fire expected to last weeks

TUCSON - In just hours yesterday, the Aspen fire, which started Tuesday, grew from 300 acres to 4,000 acres ripping through the heart of Summerhaven.

The raging inferno destroyed about 200 homes, Alpine Lodge and the Post Office in Summerhaven yesterday. Fueled by dry forest and gusty winds, the fire may burn out of control for weeks.

Exploding propane tanks added to the hellish scene, and Gov. Janet Napolitano declared a state of emergency for Pima County, freeing up $75,000 in state funds to fight the blaze.


A helicopter flies past television towers on Mount Bigelow on its way to drop water
on Mount Lemmon's Aspen fire, the source of the billowing clouds of smoke.
GARY GAYNOR/Tucson Citizen

Coverage is also in the Arizona Daily Star.