SILVER CITY, NM; June 17, 2015, 6:30 p.m. – For Immediate Release – Five new wildfires were reported today on the Gila National Forest bringing the total number of fires to 15 since Monday afternoon. Many of the fires have been contained or called out at one-half to four acres in size. The lightning-caused fires are scattered across every district of the Forest.

The largest fire on the Reserve Ranger District is the Pinon at 44 acres. It is east of Eagle Peak and moving primarily south and west. This fire will be managed to achieve resource objectives.

The largest fire on the Wilderness Ranger District is the Moore Fire at nine acres. It is seven miles east of Gila Hot Springs. It may also be managed to achieve resource objectives.

The objectives for the Pinon and Moore fires include improving wildlife habitat, protecting cultural resources, reducing hazardous fuels and returning fire to the ecosystem. Status on the rest of the incidents:

 

Today’s new incidents:

  • Bar Fire, on Bar Mesa, Reserve Ranger District, contained at four acres
  • Lost Lake, two miles north of the Pinon Fire, contained, less than one acre
  • Tularosa Fire, northeast Aragon on the Quemado Ranger District, resources on scene, one-half acre
  • Castle, four miles west of Quemado Lake, resources on scene, less than one acre
  • McMullen, 20 miles southwest of Glenwood on Glenwood Ranger District, monitor status

Monday & Tuesday’s incidents:

  • Pine Fire, near Pine Canyon on the Reserve Ranger District, contained, one-half acre
  • Keko Fire, approximately eight miles east of Reserve on the Reserve Ranger District, minimal activity observed, monitor status
  • Eckleberger Fire, southeast of Eagle Peak on the Reserve Ranger District, called out, less than one acre
  • Slash Fire, east of Bear Wallow Mountain on Reserve Ranger District, called out at less than one acre.
  • Bell Fire, five miles west of Beaverhead Work Center, Black Range Ranger District, contained, one acre
  • Horse Fire, seven miles south of Luna on the Quemado Ranger District, crews contained, one acre
  • Allie Fire, near Allie Canyon on the Silver City Ranger District, monitor status
  • Rocky Fire, near Rocky Canyon on the Wilderness Ranger District, called out, less than one acre

Officials take into consideration many factors when deciding to manage fires for resource objectives including firefighter and public safety, location, fuels, terrain, time of year, current and forecast weather, potential fire spread and smoke impacts.

The forecast shows a chance of showers and thunderstorms with rising temperature through the weekend.