UPDATE: Rural Metro crews assigned to Mercer Spring Fire in Catalina Mountains

TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - A fire burning through buffelgrass in the lower elevations of the Catalina Mountains has been named the Mercer Spring Fire after a nearby camp site.

The U.S. Forest Service said the fire was caused by a lightning strike.

The fire is approximately 25 acres burning in buffelgrass in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness just north of Melpomene road.

The fire, visible at night from much of Tucson, began at about 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, according to the U.S. Forest Service. It burned west of Milepost 0 on the Catalina Highway.

The fire isn’t expected to spread too much further since the crews on the ground are making good progress suppressing the fire.

Officials are asking the public to stay clear of Milepost 0 and the pullout above it so fire crews can work safely and effectively.

Crews from Rural Metro Fire have been assigned to the effort and they will have support from a helicopter.

A spokesman for Rural Metro said no homes are threatened by the fire as of Friday morning, Aug. 23.

To help minimize the spread of buffelgrass, click HERE for tips on how to clear your property of invasive plants, and how to help fight buffelgrass spread in and around our public lands.

For updates please see the Coronado National Forest Facebook page.

Stay with KOLD News 13 for updates as we continue to monitor the fire.

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