While thunderstorms struck Mimbres Friday afternoon, little to no precipitation fell on the Moore Fire on the Wilderness Ranger District. The lightning-caused fire was measured at 867 acres after an aerial survey and mapping of the perimeter was completed. The continued hot and dry conditions have contributed to an increase in fire activity.
A new fire was detected Friday just two miles northwest of the Moore Fire. The Middle Fire is estimated at 15 acres and due to its location within the pre-determined management area for the Moore Fire, will be managed with the same resource objectives.
Officials say these fires are meeting the objectives identified for this incident including reintroducing fire into the ecosystem and improving forest health. The Moore Fire is said to be spreading in all directions. Resources assigned to the incident include ten smokejumpers, one crew, and stock to transport supplies into the Gila Wilderness.
Gila National Forest managers have scheduled two opportunities for the public to obtain information about the Wilderness Ranger District firesSunday, June 21:
1) An Information Officer will be stationed in Gila Hot Springs from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
2) An informal briefing will be held at the Wilderness Ranger District parking lot at 5:00 p.m.
Please drive with caution along Highway 35 and Forest Road 150 as traffic has increased around the fire area.
Information is available at: