Single Publication

Gila National Forest

Forest Service News Release

Maribeth Pecotte, Public Affairs Officer

(987) 654-3210

Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov

www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila

Firefighters respond to new fires on Gila National Forest

Meadow and Trout fires are 15 miles north of Silver City

Silver City, NM, June 12, 2025—Firefighters are responding to two new wildfires approximately 15 miles north of Silver City. The fires are located east and west of New Mexico Highway 15, in the Meadow Creek and Sheep Corral areas.

The Meadow Fire was reported last night and is located near the end of a spur road in the Meadow Creek area. It is burning in ponderosa pine, oak, and grass. An engine crew worked the fire overnight, establishing fireline around the 8.5-acre fire. Another engine crew, along with the Northern Colorado Type 2 hand crew took over the Meadow Fire this morning and are working to establish containment.

The Trout Fire, estimated at 26 acres was reported early this morning and is burning in ponderosa pine, juniper, and brush. It is located near Forest Road 876 (Trout Creek Road) north of the Sheep Corral area. Ground resources including the Gila Hotshots, an engine crew, and eight-person fire suppression module are being supported with aerial resources including two Single Engine Air Tankers, a Type 3 helicopter, and fixed wing air attack.

The public is asked to please avoid the Meadow Creek, Trout Creek, and Sheep Corral areas for their safety due to heavy firefighter traffic, the presence of uncontained wildfires, and the dry, volatile conditions that currently exist.

Smoke is likely to be visible from Highway 15 and the Mimbres valley. Smoke monitors have been set up at Lake Roberts and at the Wilderness District Office. Real-time smoke information can be obtained at AirNow.gov. The specific cause of the fires is under investigation.

As a reminder, fire danger is currently rated “extreme” and the Gila National Forest remains in stage 2 fire restrictions due to prolonged drought conditions. Under stage 2 fire restrictions, the use of fire, campfire, stove fire, and charcoal is prohibited anywhere on the forest. The use of generators and other equipment powered by internal combustion engines is restricted to the hours between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. Smoking is prohibited except within a vehicle, building, or developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or has been cleared of flammable materials. Use of a propane grill that has a shutoff valve is allowed within areas at least 6 feet in diameter that are clear of flammable materials.

Remember that not all human-caused wildfires are the result of campfires and cigarettes. Wildfires can also be started by hot material thrown out of your exhaust pipe, hot vehicles

parked over tall vegetation, or sparks created by chains dragging behind vehicles as they travel. So please ensure proper maintenance of exhaust systems, be careful when selecting a parking spot, and keep chains and other equipment properly stowed.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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