From Gila National Forest

Start Date: May 11, 2014

Location:Signal Peak, Silver City Ranger District, Gila National Forest

Cause: Under investigation

 Fuels:Mixed conifer, ponderosa pine

Size:  2700 acres

Resources Committed: One Type I Hotshot Crew, Smoke Jumpers, 3 Heli- tankers, 1 Type 2 Helicopter, and 3 Engines

Road Closures: Highway 15 from Ben Lilly Monument to the gravel pit near Wildhorse Mesa.

Summary: A new fire start was reported Sunday afternoon north of Signal Peak on the Silver City Ranger District, Gila National Forest. High winds have driven the fire to burn approximately 2700 acres. A Type I Hotshot Crew, along with Smoke Jumpers, 3 engines, 3 Type I Heli-tankers, and 1 Type 3 Helicopter are currently assigned to the fire with more resources being ordered. A Type II Incident Management Team has also been ordered.

Private property in the vicinity of Signal Peak has been evacuated. Highway 15 has also been closed from Ben Lilly Monument north to the Gravel Pit near Wildhorse Mesa.

Fire forces are employing full suppression tactics to contain and extinguish the blaze.

Forecasted weather for Monday May12, 2014 is calling for more favorable conditions for fire fighters with winds in the 10 mph range.

Forest users are reminded the Gila National Forest is currently in Stage I Fire Restrictions. Fires are currently allowed in developed campgrounds, in Forest Service provided metal rings.