Kerr Fire Update, May 2, 2017 at 1800

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: 60 acres as 1300 hours

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

Summary: The Kerr Fire is burning on National Forest lands. Values at risk include Continental Divide trail which is located east of the fire, range improvement infrastructure and Mexican Spotted Owl habitat. 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. A map of alternate routes is available on the Gila NF website.

TodayGÇÖs efforts were focused on securing the eastern flank of the fire along FR 289 to prevent the spread toward the Continental Divide trail. The plan for tomorrow will be to continue operations to secure FR 289 to the north and south, and establish a control line to keep fire from crossing the road to the east, north and south. In addition, crews will be assessing range improvements north and west of the fire to identify areas along fence lines that may need protection measures.

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