Teacher Fire
The Teacher Fire is estimated at 325 acres. The fire is backing down into the School Canyon drainage, consuming downed logs and moving slowly through the grass. Today resources prepped along CAT-C021 and FR 713. The winds came up this afternoon and ground ignitions did not take place. Firing operations will begin tomorrow, and transition will occur to a Type 3 Organization.
Gravel Fire
The Gravel Fire is estimated at 950 acres. The northern flank of the fire has hung up at Turkey Creek, the Eastern flank is along the ridgeline and is backing toward Gilita Creek, the Southern flank is slowly backing toward Indian Creek, and the western flank has very minimal activity. Crews monitored the fire activity today and protected the historic cabin. This area also has a high concentration of snags so the decision was made not to put wildland firefighters in the area.
Snow Lake is still open as are the Dipping Vat, Willow Creek and Ben Lilly Campgrounds. Smoke will be visible from main roads in that area. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health website at https://nmtracking.org/fire. Information on these fires can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/32/# .
For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila