SILVER CITY, NM; June 16, 2015 – For Immediate Release – Lightning has sparked at least eight fires on the Gila National Forest after thunderstorms passed over the region recently. The fires are being monitored by lookouts, aircraft and personnel on the ground.
Two of the fires (Pinon and Moore) have the potential to be used to achieve resource objectives. These objectives include improving wildlife habitat, protecting cultural resources, reducing hazardous fuels and returning fire to the ecosystem.
One airplane is assigned to perform overall observations of the forest and the known incidents. Precipitation has fallen on many areas of the forest. Firefighters are working on the following incidents:
- Pinon Fire, east of Eagle Peak and 15 miles east of Reserve on the Reserve Ranger District, potential to manage for resource objectives
- Moore Fire, seven miles east of Gila Hot Springs near Tom Moore Mesa on the Wilderness Ranger District, estimated two acres, potential to manage for resource objectives
- Pine Fire, near Pine Canyon on the Reserve Ranger District, monitor status
- Keko Fire, approximately eight miles east of Reserve on the Reserve Ranger District, minimal activity observed, monitor status
- Bell Fire, five miles west of Beaverhead Work Center, Black Range Ranger District, monitor status
- Allie Fire, near Allie Canyon on the Silver City Ranger District, firefighters are responding
- Horse Fire, seven miles south of Luna on the Quemado Ranger District, firefighters are responding
- Rocky Fire, near Rocky Canyon on the Wilderness Ranger District, newly reported
Officials take into consideration many factors when deciding to manage fires for resource objectives including firefighter and public safety, location, fuels, terrain, current and forecast weather, potential fire spread and smoke impacts. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
