Print
Category: Front Page News Front Page News
Published: 22 August 2012 22 August 2012

Final Acreage:  87 acres,  increase due to fireline alignment and mapping.

Location:  T17S, R9W, Section 2;  south of Emory Pass Vista on Hwy 152

Fuel Type:  Transition Zone;  Ponderosa, Juniper/Pinon, Mountain Mahogany, with manzanita in the lower elevations and mixed conifer in the upper elevations.

Cause:  Lightning

Narrative: 

Fireline personnel began a gradual demobilization on Tuesday and are expected to be completely off the fire by late Wednesday. “This was a difficult fire to deal with given the location and the complexity of supplying equipment to firefighters,” states Dennis Fahl, Fire Management Officer for the Black Range Ranger District. “We experienced  lightning that interrupted operations occasionally, but we're comfortable with leaving the fire area at this time.”  No injuries were sustained by fire personnel or pack stock during fire suppression action. The Black Range Ranger District would like to thank the nearby communities of Kingston and Hillsboro for their continued support during this incident.

Trail Travel Advisory:  Forest visitors using Crest Trail # 79 south of Emory Pass and trails  #134 and  #135  should be advised of potentially fire damaged trees and vegetation. Trees may have burnt branches that can drop unexpectedly and weakened root systems that can cause them to topple in a light wind. Loosened soil can cause rocks to dislodge and roll. Rain storms, however brief, can produce fast-moving water flow in normally dry arroyos and drainages. Be aware of where you stop for breaks and place your camp.

For further information on this incident, or information on the home igition zone and defendable space, please contact Ellen Brown at the Gila National Forest, (575)388-8262 or (575) 388-8201.