Location: Aldo Leopold Wilderness, Black Range Ranger District

Start Date: June 6, 2017

Size: 6,062 acres

Cause: Lightning

Vegetation: Ponderosa pine and grass with a mixed conifer component

Resources: Four wildland fire modules, 10 smokejumpers, 4 engines, 2 EMTs, 1 water tender and other fire personnel with a total of 85.

Containment: 0% (managed for multiple resource objectives)

Summary: The Round Fire is currently 6, 062 acres burning on the Gila National Forest in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. The fire is being managed for multiple objectives with the primary objective of maintaining and restoring fire’s natural role in the forest. The fire will restore and enhance diverse ecosystems including Mexican Spotted Owl habitat. By fire maintaining its natural role in the ecosystem, the potential for catastrophic wildfire is reduced.

The fire behavior continues at low to moderate intensity. Resources are continuing to monitor the fire as it backs down to FR 500 near private inholdings. Mounted patrols are monitoring fire behavior and activity in Diamond Creek.

There are no area, road, or trail closures relating to the Round Fire at this time. The Gila National Forest is currently open to the public. Public may experience smoky conditions if driving on FS Road 226 and/or State Highway 59. Air quality reports are posted on Inciweb.

Fire information can be found at nmfireinfo.com or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5238/ . For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila