Fire Danger Remains Extreme In National Forests

Fire conditions continue to be extremely dangerous throughout New Mexico.
On the Gila National Forest, no new fires have been reported since August 13. Rain showers developed across most of the forest last weekend and moderated fire behavior on existing fires. Hot and sunny days followed, and fire behavior increased slightly on several of the fires that are being managed for resource objectives. Only natural ignitions, those started by lightning, can be managed to achieve resource objectives. Under the right conditions, fires are allowed to function ecologically, within fire-dependent ecosystems of the southwest.
On the Magdalena Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest, the region has received widespread lightning over the past few weeks. As a result, a new wildland fire has been reported. The weather forecast for this area is continued afternoon thunderstorms over the region throughout the week. These thunderstorms could bring more lightning, with the possibility of additional wildfires.
Magdalena District
Fisher Fire: Detected on 8/08/2009, located 35 miles Southwest of Magdalena. The fire is 51 acres, burning in Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. The smoke from this fire is visible from Highway 60 west of Magdalena.
This fire is being managed to achieve resource benefits, with the primary objective of providing for public and firefighter safety. The management strategy allows these fires to function ecologically within a fire-dependent ecosystem. Fire personnel are regularly monitoring the fire’s progression. Currently, 25 personnel are assigned to the fire.
This Fisher fire will remain active until the temperatures and relative humidity moderate and the weather patterns established over the region receive enough precipitation to extinguish the fire. The Fisher fire will continue to be monitored and patrolled.
For more information, please contact the Magdalena Ranger District at 575-854-2281 or visit the Cibola National Forest website: www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola.
Three of the five ranger districts on the Gila National Forest include much of Catron County. Here is the report on active fires.
Quemado District
Willie fire:  Detected 7/21/09, and located 23 miles southwest of Quemado and just south of Fox Mountain Lookout. Some burnout operations have been conducted along Forest Road 770.  Mitigation measures have been established, reducing potential threats to the Fox Mountain Lookout and communication towers. Low to moderate fire behavior has been observed. The fire is 300 acres in size, as it burns in Ponderosa pine understory, including needlecast and grass. 4 personnel are assigned to the fire.
To report fires to the Quemado Ranger District, call (575) 773-4678.
Reserve District
Moraga fire:  Detected 7/19/09, and located 19 miles east of Reserve, NM and on Long Canyon Mountain. The fire is 2580 acres in size.  Rain showers moderated fire behavior last weekend, and the fire showed minimal activity. Monitoring activities continue and 10 personnel are assigned to the fire.
Eagle fire:  Detected 7/29/09, and located 10 miles east of Reserve, NM. The fire is currently at 420 acres and minimal fire spread is expected. The fire has been burning in a Ponderosa pine vegetation type. Rain showers moderated fire behavior last weekend, resulting in minimal fire activity. Monitoring activities are ongoing.
To report fires on the Reserve Ranger District, call (575) 533-6231.
Glenwood District
Radar fire:  Detected 8/2/09, and located about 8 miles south of Mule Creek. The fire was contained at 367 acres and remains in patrol status.
Whitewater fire:  Detected 7/25/09, and located in the Gila Wilderness, about 8 miles east of Glenwood, NM. The fire is estimated at 240 acres in size and continues to burn in very rough, rugged terrain. The fire received light rain showers last week, however the fire continues to spreads slowly to the east and south. Fire managers are visually monitoring the fire daily.
To report a fire on the Glenwood Ranger District, call (575) 539-2481.
If a wildfire starts naturally, the Forest Service can use different strategies and tactics in different parts of the fire. These fires are being managed to achieve resource objectives, including public and firefighter safety and ecosystem health. A combination of responses can be used to meet these objectives. These fires can remain active until the monsoon weather pattern establishes and provides enough precipitation to extinguish the fires.
For more information about current fire activity on the Gila National Forest, contact the fire information officer at 575-388-8245 or visit the website at http://fs.usda.gov/gila.

Fire Danger Remains Extreme In National Forests