The Wilderness Ranger District continues to monitor the progress of several lightning caused fires in the Gila and Aldo Leopold Wilderness Areas.

The Brannon and Timber fires have merged and are now both being called the Timber Fire. The fire is burning in Township 14 South, Range 12 West, Sections 3-12 (T14S R12W S3-12) near the Brannon Park area. The Timber fire was initially detected on July 3, 2016 and the Brannon fire was detected on July 9, 206. Both fires were caused by lightning strikes. The fire has burned through drainages that feed into Rocky Canyon and is creeping slowly through ground fuels, exhibiting low fire behavior. The fire is estimated to be 2,270 acres with 0% containment. The progress of this fire is being monitored and managed for resource management benefits. Crews are working outside the Wilderness boundary on Forest Road 4709C.

The Mesa Fire G