Location:

Reserve Ranger District on the Gila National Forest
John Kerr Peak, 17 miles northeast of Reserve
Catron County, New Mexico
Start Date: May 1, 2017 Size: 30 acres

Cause: Lightning

Vegetation: Ponderosa Pine, Gamble Oak, Pinon/Juniper

Smoke: Smoke may be visible within the surrounding area of Apache Creek, Cruzville, Aragon, and Reserve, NM

Resources: 2 engines, Gila Hotshots Incident Commander: Joe Aragon, IC-4

Summary: The Kerr Fire is burning on Forest Service lands. Values at risk include Continental Divide trail which is located east of the fire, range improvement infrastructure and Mexican Spotted Owl habitat. Hazards in the area are steep slopes, and snags as the fire is burning on the westerly aspect of the peak. CDT hikers in the area are advised to check in with the Reserve Ranger District office for alternate routes in order to avoid fire activity.

Fire management officers are taking this opportunity to improve our natural resource values by improving forest heath and watershed conditions, while focusing on minimizing exposure to responders. Fire management strategies will utilize a road system including Forest Road 289 and FR 94.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila