Due to recent precipitation and cooler temperatures, the Gila National Forest Supervisor lifted fire restrictions effective 8:00 a.m. on July 7. While the risk of wildfire has decreased, the fire danger rating for the forest remains at “Very High.” Visitors are urged to exercise caution by properly disposing of cigarettes, refraining from building campfires during dry, hot, or windy conditions, [...]

Brigadier General Matthew Henry, Air Commander of the New Mexico National Guard, recently visited Western New Mexico University (WNMU) to express his gratitude to the university community for its support during the Guard’s recent mission in response to the Trout Fire. As a gesture of appreciation, the National Guard presented WNMU with official unit patches and a framed photograph highlighting [...]

With increased containment of the Trout Fire and the approach of the holiday weekend, the Gila National Forest, in coordination with the New Mexico Department of Transportation, has reopened New Mexico Highway 15 and revised the public safety area closure to permit access to recreational facilities at Lake Roberts. The updated closure area now includes National Forest System lands located [...]