SILVER CITY, NM; June 27, 2015 - For Immediate Release - Managers reported low activity Friday on the Pinon and Moore fires on the Gila National Forest as rain showers continued to fall on the fire areas from time to time.

The 3,305-acre Pinon Fire is located 13 miles east of Reserve, NM on the Reserve Ranger District. The 3,670-acre Moore Fire is located in the Gila Wilderness on the Wilderness Ranger District with 85 personnel on the incident. The reduction in acreage on the Moore Fire is the result of aerial surveying and mapping completed Friday.

More precipitation is predicted through the weekend. Due to the low potential for the Pinon and Moore fires to grow, the management organizations will be downsized, some crews released and the fires will be monitored. The lightning-caused wildfires started June 16 and have been used to help thin the forest, remove hazardous fuels and improve wildlife habitat.

Several new wildfires have been detected on the forest after thunderstorms and lightning passed over the region the past few days. These are generally single trees struck by lightning. Firefighters contained two of the fires and at least three others have been placed in monitor status. The previously reported Woodrow Fire in the Gila Wilderness near the Mogollon Baldy Lookout was contained June 19 at 360 acres.

All campgrounds are open on the Wilderness and Reserve Ranger Districts and are first-come, first serve. In addition, the Willow Creek Campground on the Reserve Ranger District re-opened Friday. This campground was closed for public safety due to impacts after the Whitewater Baldy Fire.

Be alert that flash flooding is possible any time heavy rainfall occurs. Gila National Forest officials remind travelers to drive with caution on roads near the Pinon and Moore fires as equipment and personnel are still present.