Firefighters make progress on lightning-caused fires

Heavy lightning activity over the past few days caused multiple wildfires on the Gila National Forest. Many were immediately suppressed by fire crews. All currently active fires are discussed below. Reports on the Turkeyfeather Fire and the Goose Fire will be in separate notifications.

Reserve Ranger District

• Both the Eckleberger Fire (6 acres) and Telephone Fire (10 acres) started on July 10 and burned in ponderosa pine overstory and grass understory. Containment lines held overnight, with no growth on either incident.  Today, crews continued with mop up operations and monitored to ensure perimeters were secure.  

Wilderness Ranger District

• The Gila Flat Fire (4.5 acres), located about 5 miles north of Lake Roberts and 2 miles east of Senator Clinton P. Anderson Overlook, was reported the morning of July 11. Today fire crews secured the fire perimeter, and they will continue to conduct mop up operations through the next few days. Smoke may be visible to the communities around Gila Hot Springs. For firefighter safety and access, motorists are asked to drive with care through the area as fire traffic will still be accessing the fire from Hwy 15.
   
• The Railroad Fire (3 acres) was reported July 10. Crews hiked into the fire and further secured it, eliminating heat and smoke.
   
• The Copperas Fire (2 acres) is east of Highway 15. Crews completed containment line around the fire, continued mop up operations, and will continue to work on the fire for the next few days.
   
• The Granny Fire (34 acres) is burning 3 miles southwest of Miller Springs Cabin in steep, rocky terrain. Crews are assessing the fire situation and today they inserted firefighters for structure protection should the fire reach the cabin.

Silver City Ranger District

• Both the Noonday Canyon Fire (0.1 acres) and Farm Fire (0.1 acres) were identified on July 9. Both fires were fully suppressed and are out.
• The Sheep Fire (1 acre) is burning just outside of the wilderness boundary near Monument Tank, southeast of the Goose Fire. Firefighters are working towards containment. 

Black Range Ranger District

• The Wrights Fire (0.1 acres), located two miles north of NM-152 and south of Cross-O Mountain, started on July 10. Fire crews completed containment line around the fire. 
   
• The Ladrone Fire (0.1 acres) is located southeast of Hillsboro Peak and is fully contained. A crew will continue to monitor the fire.

Smoke: Visit https://fire.airnow.gov/ to find more detailed information about air quality. When you encounter smoke on the road while driving, slow down and turn on your headlights.