Photo of Piñon Fire from Eagle Peak (Courtesy Photo)

RESERVE, NM; June 19, 2015 - For Immediate Release - The Pinon Fire was more noticeable Saturday as it grew to 1,600 acres on the Reserve Ranger District. The lightning-caused fire started Tuesday, June 16 and is being managed to achieve multiple resource objectives such as protecting livestock forage and improving wildlife habitat.

Fire crews will continue to take management actions, generally along Forest Road 94, to prevent the fire from spreading outside the pre-determined boundary. Fire activity was characterized as low to moderate with isolated torching as it spread through ponderosa pine, oak, grass and mixed conifer.

About 35 personnel - including three engines and the Cobre Southwest Firefighter (SWFF) crew - are assigned to the incident east of Eagle Peak. The SWFF program has a long and distinguished history in the southwest. SWFF crews were called to duty for seven fire tours during the 2014 fire season. Individuals from SWFF also fill temporary positions on engines and suppression crews for local ranger districts.

Continental Divide Trail hikers are advised of fire activity around a portion of the trail east of Eagle Peak. Signs are posted on the south at County Road B054 (commonly known as Y Canyon Rd.) and Forest Road 4047, just west of Ghost Lake and on the north at Forest Road 3070 (or Long Canyon Rd) and the 94 Road (or 5 Springs Divide). The alternate route is Forest Road 94.