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Category: Front Page News Front Page News
Published: 25 May 2018 25 May 2018

Acres: 7600
Start Date: May 22, 2018
Cause: Under investigation
Location: NE of Eagle Peak Lookout, Gila NF
Containment: 0%

Fuels: Timber (litter, grass, and understory)
Total personnel: 302

General Information: The Buzzard Fire is burning in rugged country near Eagle Peak Lookout on the Reserve Ranger District of the Gila National Forest. The fire was first discovered on Tuesday May 22nd around 3:00 P.M. It has spread to 7600 acres in the last three days burning in mixed conifer and grass in rugged, remote country.

Fire Operations: Yesterday firefighters were successful in suppressing multiple spot fires that crossed over FR 94 to the northwest. Fire also crossed FR 94 to the east and is burning in Long Canyon. Bulldozers and hand lines were used to established fire breaks along FR 3069 to Spurgen Tank in an effort to cut off the spread of fire up through Long Canyon. Preparation work continues around Eagle Peak Lookout, located near the southern edge of the fire. Crews were able to successfully burn out along a road system on the northwest portion of the fire. A night shift has been established to continue control efforts throughout the night as fire activity diminishes slightly.

Fire Safety Awareness: With the Memorial Day weekend upon us, special concerns in reference to the safety of the public and fire crews is needed. Fire apparatus and personnel will be travelling the roadways servicing the area around the fire. Please be on the lookout for slow moving traffic and crews working in and around the fire.

Fire Weather: Warm temperatures and low humidity with gusty winds will bring the potential for red flag conditions this Memorial Day weekend.

Closures: Areas around the fire are closed for public safety and roadblocks have been set up by local law enforcement. There will be increased fire traffic on all area roads. More closure information available at https://bit.ly/2LvwKhN .

Smoke Situation: There will be smoke visible today throughout Catron County and also in Apache County in Eastern Arizona. 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 .

Fire Information Links: Fire information can be found at nmfireinfo.com and at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5814/
For information on the Gila National Forest, please visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila  .

Fire Information: (602) 529-5924 (8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.)
Continental Divide Trail Map in InciWeb Images at https://bit.ly/2GRESFw  
Email: buzzardfireinfo2018@gmail.com