Fire Report 070518:
The Owl Fire that started on Saturday, June 30th, located 4 miles northeast of Saddle Mountain in the Gila National Forest, is comprised of 4,012 acres, and utilizing 212 personnel. The fire is burning south of Aspen Mountain near the Flying T trail in an inventoried roadless area. Heavy fuels will continue to hold heat until substantial rainfall over the area.
Crews are continuing to prep and ignite south on Forest Road 209 and prep line west of U.S. Hwy 180, and in Bull Basin. In addition, air resources have been assigned to the incident.
Fire behavior has been moderate to extreme, with group tree torching and isolated crown runs in the mixed conifer. Fire spread is primarily to the north and east, and visible from Alma, NM, along the US Hwy 180 corridor through Luna, NM. Smoke may also be visible in Alpine, AZ and Rancho Grande Subdivision.
The Gila National Forest has issued Forest Order #06-18-011 Owl Fire Temporary Area Closure Order for firefighter and public safety. All roads and trails in the interior of the boundary described in the Forest Order and indicated on the map are closed with limited exceptions.
Lightening has been determined to be the cause of this fire.
Fire information and maps can be found at nmfireinfo.com or go to silvercityradio.com
