SILVER CITY, NM, July 28, 2023 - Although some rain fell Thursday, it was mostly spotty and not enough to make a big difference on the active wildfires scattered across the Gila National Forest. Over the past week, 13 lightning-caused wildfires have burned approximately 3,555 acres; however, no new wildfires were reported Thursday. Several small wildfires are in remote, rugged terrain and are being checked by forest lookouts and aircraft when weather conditions allow.  Fire managers conduct a risk-based assessment of every wildfire to determine the strategy for the incident. Personnel are being assigned to these incidents based on that assessment. The following is a summary of fire activity:

Reserve Ranger District: 

The Divide Fire started July 13 and is estimated at 13,319 acres with 0% contained. Most of the growth is on the northwest portion of the fire. Crews are in the mop-up stage as fire activity has decreased significantly. Approximately 82 personnel are assigned including five engines, a dozer, an ambulance, and two medic squads.

The Pasture Fire ignited July 23 and is 3,300 acres, 0% contained with 94 personnel assigned. Fire activity is moderate, mostly on the northern boundary. The fire remains on the east side of the South Fork Negrito Creek. 

The Dark Fire and Davis Fire started July 13 and are mostly smoldering with minimal growth reported. The Davis Fire is 6,073 acres and 54% contained. The Dark Fire is 1,501 acres and 7% contained.

Wilderness Ranger District:

The Noonday Fire was reported the evening of July 22, located in proximity to the Noonday Cabin off New Mexico Highway 152. It is 427 acres and located in remote, difficult terrain within the 2013 Silver Fire. Resources assigned include the Mt. Taylor Hotshot crew, a 10-person initial attack module, one engine, and overhead for a total of 43 personnel. Anticipated growth is to the south and west with possible impacts from thunderstorms. Smoke is highly visible from Mimbres Valley and Silver City area.

The Turkey Fire was discovered on the evening of July 22 and is high on a ridge of the Pinos Altos Range on the edge of the Gila Wilderness. It showed increased activity yesterday and was highly visible in the Cliff-Gila communities. The Turkey Fire continues to burn in extremely rugged and inaccessible terrain and will be monitored via Mogollon Baldy Lookout. Satellite infrared shows the fire to be 372 acres with activity primarily on the north and east sides of the fire. It is expected to run into natural barriers on the east side.  

The Packsaddle Fire started July 26 and is estimated at 120 acres. It is located near the West Fork of the Gila River north of White Creek Cabin. Light rain fell on the fire Thursday. There is some potential for growth on the south end.

The Prior Fire, also a lightning-caused fire that started July 26 in a very remote area of the Gila Wilderness 2 miles south of Prior Cabin near the rim of Hells Hole. It is estimated at 390 acres.  It is slowly spreading to the southwest and west through heavy down fuels. 

Quemado Ranger District: 

The Tub Fire started July 16 near Tub Peak south of Mangas Mountain. It is holding steady at 305 acres and 30% contained. Little growth is expected. The fire is in monitor status and being checked daily. Resources have been reassigned to new starts.

Glenwood Ranger District:

The Round Fire was reported on July 23 west of Round Mountain and Little Round Mountain northwest of Alma. It grew to 15 acres before it was contained.

Silver City Ranger District:

The Farm Fire started on July 15. It is 4.7 acres and is located north of Tadpole Ridge and the Snow Creek Trail #233.  Fuel types include ponderosa pine, juniper, oak, and grass. Very limited fire behavior is present. The Signal Peak Lookout will continue to monitor fire activity.  

Skates Fire: The Skates Fire began on July 22 and is currently 1.5 acres. The fire is located north of Allie Canyon, roughly one mile east of the Continental Divide Trail, south of Skates Canyon and seven miles west of Highway 35 on the edge of the Signal Fire burn area. The low-intensity fire was spreading slowly on the southwest end. Personnel will continue to check the fire for increased activity. 

Goat Fire: The Goat Fire was first observed on July 24 and is one acre. Fire is spreading in heavy down fuels and limited fire activity was observed on the ridgeline. The Fire is located southeast of Reading Mountain along Tadpole Ridge. No movement has occurred around the perimeter. Crews will continue to check the fire for increased activity. 

High pressure over the region is creating warmer-than-average temperatures for July.  The pattern begins to shift late week bringing more moisture with widespread chances for thunderstorms, precipitation, and more lightning.  

For more information please visit the Gila National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/gila, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GilaNForest and InciWeb InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)