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Category: Front Page News Front Page News
Published: 05 July 2018 05 July 2018

 Acres: ~4,012 Start Date: June 30, 2018

Cause: Lightning Location: 4 miles northeast of Saddle Mountain, Gila NF
Fuels: Timber (litter, grass and understory) Total Personnel: 212
General Information: The Owl Fire began on June 30, 2018. It is south of Aspen Mountain, near the Flying T trail in an inventoried roadless area (IRA). Heavy fuels will continue to hold heat until substantial rainfall over the area.

Fire Operations: Crews will prep Horse Mesa for ignitions, continue firing operations on Forest Road 209 and constructing line in Bull Basin to connect line to US Hwy 180. Air resources are assigned to the incident.

Fire Behavior: Fire behavior has been moderate to extreme, with group tree torching and isolated crown runs in the mixed conifer. Fire spread is primarily to the north and east, and visible from Alma, NM, along the US Hwy 180 corridor through Luna, NM. Smoke may also be visible in Alpine, AZ and Rancho Grande Subdivision.

Smoke: Smoke settles in drainages and washes and begins drifting about 9:00 p.m. and peaking at 6:00 a.m., when they become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures such as leaving windows closed. For more information on air quality and health impacts due to wildfire smoke, please visit the New Mexico Department of Health website at https://nmtracking.org/fire .

Fire Safety/Closures: Forest Order 06-18-011 Owl Fire Temporary Area Closure is effective as of July 7. The Gila NF is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Fire Danger is still rated as VERY HIGH.

Fire Information: Fire information can be found at https://nmfireinfo.com/  and on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5883/