Drummond and Trujillo Fire Update

Location:  The Drummond Fire is one mile south of Emory Pass and the Trujillo Fire is one mile south of the Drummond Fire on the Black Range Ranger District, Sierra County, NM

Start Date:  May 19, 2021                Size: 2 acres                          Cause:  Lightning

Summary:  The Drummond and the Trujillo Fires are burning on National Forest System lands on the Black Range Ranger District, Gila National Forest. Despite the high winds and dry conditions, minimal fire behavior was observed on either fire today. The fire is currently smoldering in the heavy dead and downed logs/snags. Smoke is still visible from both NM Highway 152 and I-25.  Because of the dead and down trees, snags, and extremely steep terrain, during the day there will be fire-fighting resources at Emory Pass monitoring the fire.

The 2013 Silver Fire eliminated the dense vegetation or ladder fuels (live or dead vegetation that allows a fire to climb up from the landscape or forest floor into the tree canopy), therefore, lessening fire intensity on the Drummond and Trujillo Fires while chunking away at dead down logs and cleaning up previous snag downfall from 2013 Silver Fire. Fire fighters’ strategy is to confine and contain the fire and keep the fire south of NM Hwy 152.

Red flag warning is in effect until 9:00 p.m. MDT this evening. Wind advisory will be in effect until 8:00 p.m. MDT this evening.

Objectives:  Currently the primary objectives include minimizing the impact of fire on wildland firefighters, public safety and protecting natural resources. 

Closures:  Black Range Crest Trail 79 – Closed from NM Highway 152 south to NFRS 886. Royal John Rd., Grandview Trail 146 – Closed from NFSR 523 Silver Creek Rd. to Black Range Crest Trail 79. Trujillo Trail 134 – Closed from Black Range Crest Trail 79 to Private Seven Brothers – Closed from NFSR 886 Royal John Rd to Black Range Crest Trail 79.

Smoke/Air Quality:  The New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1,  https://nmtracking.org/fire  has good information and  guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.  Smoke will be visible and settle into the area of Kingston, Hillsboro, Lake Valley, and will also be visible on NM Hwy 152 and Interstate 25.

Fire information can be found on nmfireinfo.com or on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7494/ . For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website.

Location:  The Drummond Fire is one mile south of Emory Pass and the Trujillo Fire is one mile south of the Drummond Fire on the Black Range Ranger District, Sierra County, NM

Start Date:  May 19, 2021                Size: 2 acres                          Cause:  Lightning

Summary:  The Drummond and the Trujillo Fires are burning on National Forest System lands on the Black Range Ranger District, Gila National Forest. This fire is being managed for suppression using a confine and contain strategy which limits exposure of fire practitioners from direct proximity to the fire.  The plan will be to keep this fire south of NM Hwy 152.  The fires are burning in the scar of the 2013 Silver Fire with dead and down and multiple snags which makes it dangerous for fire fighters to be close to. Because of the dead and down trees, snags, and extremely steep terrain, during the day there will be fire-fighting resources at Emory Pass monitoring the fire.    

Objectives:  Currently the primary objectives include minimizing the impact of fire on wildland firefighters, public safety and protecting natural resources. 

Safety:  There are some trails in the vicinity of the fire which includes the Black Range Crest #79 and Grandview Trail #146. Please stay off the trail system as they are temporarily closed due to dangerous conditions. Be very cautious driving in smoke both early in the morning and late in the evening due to limited visibility. 

Smoke/Air Quality:  The New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1,  https://nmtracking.org/fire has good information and  guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.  Smoke will be visible and settle into the area of Kingston, Hillsboro, Lake Valley, and will also be visible on NM Hwy 152 and Interstate 25.

Fire information can be found on nmfireinfo.com or on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7494/.  For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website.

 Location: Johnson Canyon, west of McKenna Park. 11 miles west of Gila Cliff Dwellings, Wilderness Ranger District, Catron County, NM

Start Date: May 20, 2021                Size: ~88918 acres    Containment: 75%

Cause: Lightning                              Vegetation: Ponderosa Pine and Grass

Summary: The Johnson Fire is approximately 88,918 acres and is burning on National Forest System lands on the Wilderness Ranger District, Gila National Forest.  The fire is showing minimal activity. It has received precipitation on most of the area. Aerial reconnaissance shows no smoke or any other fire activity in the area.  This fire will be monitored until it is 100% contained and called out.

CLOSURE: The Emergency Area Closure for the Johnson Fire is lifted effective July 9, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

Safety:  There are trails that are not recommended due to erosion, logs, and hazards from falling trees. Those include #182 Crest Trail, #153 Mogollon Trail, and #189 Rain Creek.  There may be other trails affected by either post-fire effects or flooding from monsoonal rains. The Forest is posting signage at popular wilderness trailheads to remind people of hazards of hiking/recreating in recently burned areas. 

Even when a fire is completely out there can be many hazards such as rolling rocks, soil erosion, flooding and falling trees. Make sure to look up and around while in the area effected by the Johnson Fire or any other recently burned area.

Smoke/Air Quality: The New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1, https://nmtracking.org/fire has good information and guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.  

 Location: Johnson Canyon, west of McKenna Park. 11 miles west of Gila Cliff Dwellings, Wilderness Ranger District, Catron County, NM

Start Date: May 20, 2021                            Size: ~88918 acres         Containment:  24%

Cause: Lightning                                            Vegetation: Ponderosa Pine and Grass

Resources: One Wildland Fire Module   

Summary: The Johnson Fire is approximately 88,918 acres and is burning on National Forest System lands on the Wilderness Ranger District, Gila National Forest.  The fire is showing minimal activity. It has received some precipitation on most of the area. Most of the fire is uncontained line, but due to moisture, hitting natural geographic barriers, and fuels transitions, the fire is not experiencing any growth. On Wednesday, June 30 the fire transitioned from the Gila/Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team to a Type 4 IMT with Jessica Hilfers as Incident Commander Type 4 and Aaron Huerta as ICT4 trainee. This fire will be monitored primarily via the Mogollon Baldy Lookout and occasional helicopter reconnaissance as needed.    

Objectives: Provide for public and firefighter safety and continue to allow fire to play its natural role on the landscape.     

Safety: Until significant monsoonal moisture occurs over the entire fire area interior smokes may pop up as unburned fuels are consumed.    

CLOSURE: Due to hazardous fire conditions in the Johnson Fire area, an Emergency Area Closure order has been issued by the Gila National Forest for public health and safety. A large portion of the Gila Wilderness is CLOSED.  For a copy of the order and maps see: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7493/ . As a reminder “The Celebration Site-Skates area,” Johnson Fire Camp is closed to the public. For further information call 575-536-2250 (M-F 8:00 – 4:00 p.m.) or 575-519-0103 (any time before 7:00 p.m.)   

Smoke/Air Quality: The New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1, https://nmtracking.org/fire has good information and guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.  

Sunday June 27, 2021

Visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7493/

Fire Phone 575-519-0103     Email:   SM.FS.GNFPAO@usda.gov 

JOHNSON FIRE

Location: Wilderness Ranger District, Gila National Forest      Start Date: May 20, 2021      Size:  88420 acres     

Cause:  Lightning   Vegetation:  Timber with grass understory, pinyon and juniper woodlands, scrub and brush  

Total Personnel: 107     Containment:  24%

Resources:  1 Type 1 handcrew, 2 Type 2 handcrews, 1 type 3 helicopter, 8 engines and 3 water tenders

SUMMARY:  Biologists and fire personnel were successful in removing approximately 350 Gila trout from Langstroth Creek and White Creek yesterday. 250 pure lineage Gila trout were removed from Langstroth Creek and 100 mixed lineage Gila trout were removed from White Creek.  Biologists determined the need to remove the fish after assessing the potential for ash flow impacts to the creek after the fire, during monsoon season. These creeks will be monitored for riparian recovery for a year at minimum, and once the creek has stabilized, Gila trout will be returned to their natural habitat in the headwaters they were removed from. All Gila trout will be moved to the Mora National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center in Mora, New Mexico.  The Mora National Fish Hatchery is dedicated to the restoration and recovery of the threatened Gila trout, a fish found only in the high desert and mountain watersheds of the Gila, Salt, and Verde drainages in New Mexico and Arizona. Biologists maintain wild brood stocks of the rare Gila trout, keeping them in as much a natural setting as possible.  The Gila National Forest and the Mora National Fish Hatchery have a long and successful partnership together to protect Gila trout after wildfires occur on the forest.

INCIDENT OBJECTIVES: Provide for firefighter and public safety and allow fire to play its natural role on the landscape. Values at risk are the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, White Creek Cabin, and sensitive aquatic species in the Gila Wilderness.

FIRE BEHAVIOR: Moderate to light, with areas of backing and creeping.

CLOSURE: Due to hazardous fire conditions in the Johnson Fire area, an Emergency Area Closure order has been issued by the Gila National Forest for public health and safety. A large portion of the Gila Wilderness is CLOSED.  For a copy of the order and maps see: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7493/ 

As a reminder “The Celebration Site-Skates area,” Johnson Fire Camp is closed to the public. For further information call 575-536-2250 (M-F 8:00 – 4:00 p.m.) or 575-519-0103 (any time before 7:00 p.m.)

WEATHER: A dramatic change is weather is expected to arrive this afternoon, bringing wetting rains and a strong cold front to the area.  Mostly sunny until the afternoon hours when thunderstorms are predicted.  60% chance of rain today with temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees. Relative humidity is forecast between 30% and 34%.  Rain!

AIR QUALITY: All areas surrounding the Johnson Fire should see good air quality with the possible exception of Truth or Consequences, NM which will see good degrading to moderate.  Please follow this link to provide you with real time smoke monitoring, simply find the monitor closest to your location: https://app.air- sis.com/USFS/UnitMap. The New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1,  https://nmtracking.org/fire provides guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.

Friday, June 25, 2021

Visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7493/

Fire Phone 575-519-0103     Email:   SM.FS.GNFPAO@usda.gov 

JOHNSON FIRE

Location: Wilderness Ranger District, Gila National Forest      Start Date: May 20, 2021      Size:  88420 acres     

Cause:  Lightning   Vegetation:  Timber with grass understory, pinyon and juniper woodlands, scrub and brush  

Total Personnel: 156     Containment:  24%

Resources:  1 Type 1 handcrew, 4 Type 2 handcrews, 2 helicopters, 8 engines and 3 water tenders

SUMMARY:  The Johnson Fire did not grow over the last 24 hours.  The area around Seventy-Four Mountain on the west side of the fire was the only notable fire activity. Yesterdays operational successes included constructing water bars along hand line and trails, removal of flagging and operational equipment that is no longer needed on the fire.  Todays operational tasks will be finishing work in the Willow Creek area and breaking down the fire crew camp near the subdivision.  All equipment and personnel will be leaving the Willow Creek spike camp by this evening. Crews will continue to monitor fire activity around 74 Mountain.  A special operation to remove Gila trout from fire effected streams via helicopter is planned for tomorrow.

INCIDENT OBJECTIVES: Provide for firefighter and public safety and allow fire to play its natural role on the landscape. Values at risk are the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, White Creek Cabin, and sensitive aquatic species in the Gila Wilderness

FIRE BEHAVIOR: Moderate to light, with areas of backing and creeping

CLOSURE: Due to hazardous fire conditions in the Johnson Fire area, an Emergency Area Closure order has been issued by the Gila National Forest for public health and safety. A large portion of the Gila Wilderness is CLOSED.  For a copy of the order and maps see: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7493/ 

As a reminder “The Celebration Site-Skates area,” Johnson Fire Camp is closed to the public. For further information call 575-536-2250 (M-F 8:00 – 4:00 p.m.) or 575-519-0103 (any time before 7:00 p.m.)

WEATHER: Dry today, with low relative humidity expected for Friday and Saturday. Temperatures for fire area range from 79 to 84 degrees, with relative humidity at 12-15 %.  Thunderstorms and a chance for moisture increase through the weekend.  Dry lightning can be expected.

AIR QUALITY: All areas surrounding the Johnson Fire should see good air quality with the possible exception of Truth or Consequences, NM which will see good degrading to moderate.  Please follow this link to provide you with real time smoke monitoring, simply find the monitor closest to your location: https://app.air- sis.com/USFS/UnitMap. The New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1,  https://nmtracking.org/fire provides guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.

SAFETY:  The Gila National Forest is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restriction, including the use of charcoal grills. Use of pressurized fuel devices with an on/off switch are acceptable.  For more information follow this link  https://bit.ly/30PUxTr or visit the Gila National Forest website under Alerts and Notices.

Tuesday June 23, 2021

Visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7493/

Fire Phone 575-519-0103     Email:   SM.FS.GNFPAO@usda.gov 

JOHNSON FIRE

Location: Wilderness Ranger District, Gila National Forest      Start Date: May 20, 2021      Size:  88,420 acres         

Cause:  Lightning   Vegetation:  Timber with grass understory, pinyon and juniper woodlands, scrub, and brush  

Total Personnel: 172    Containment:  11%

Resources:  1 Type 1 handcrew, 4 Type 2 handcrews, 3 helicopters, 8 engines and 3 water tenders

SUMMARY:  622 acres of fire growth was gained yesterday, with most fire movement seen in the West Fork of Mogollon Creek near Hidden Pasture and 74 Mountain. The contingency fireline at the Willow Creek subdivision was successfully completed, as well as hazard tree removal. Although the threat to Willow Creek has diminished, crews will remain in the area. The perimeter of the fire will continue to be monitored from the air as necessary. Today’s priorities include fire crews scouting Iron Creek Mesa trail on the northern perimeter of the fire and “back hauling”, or packing out, fire equipment from the interior of the fire. Suppression repair work will begin, cleaning up trails and creating water bars to prevent trail erosion, specifically in Hummingbird Saddle. The area north of the fire received heavy lightning strikes yesterday and crews remain ready to respond to any new fires within the Johnson Fire planning area. The perimeter of the fire will continue to be monitored from the air as necessary.

INCIDENT OBJECTIVES: Provide for firefighter and public safety and allow fire to play its natural role on the landscape. Values at risk are the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, White Creek Cabin, and sensitive aquatic species in the Gila Wilderness

FIRE BEHAVIOR: Moderate to light, with areas of backing and creeping

CLOSURE: Due to hazardous fire conditions in the Johnson Fire area, an Emergency Area Closure order has been issued by the Gila National Forest for public health and safety. A large portion of the Gila Wilderness is CLOSED.  For a copy of the order and maps see: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7493/ 

As a reminder “The Celebration Site-Skates area,” Johnson Fire Camp is closed to the public. For further information call 575-536-2250 (M-F 8:00 – 4:00 p.m.) or 575-519-0103 (any time before 7:00 p.m.)

WEATHER: Partly Cloudy (40-50%), 20% chance of precipitation, Max Temp 84-89, Minimum Humidity 17-20

AIR QUALITY: All areas surrounding the Johnson Fire should see good air quality with the possible exception of Truth or Consequences, NM which will see good degrading to moderate.  Please follow this link to provide you with real time smoke monitoring.  Find the monitor closest to your location: https://app.air- sis.com/USFS/UnitMap. The New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1,  https://nmtracking.org/fire provides guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.

SAFETY:  The Gila National Forest is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restriction, including the use of charcoal grills. Use of pressurized fuel devices with an on/off switch are acceptable.  For more information follow this link  https://bit.ly/30PUxTr or visit the Gila National Forest website under Alerts and Notices.

Tuesday June 23, 2021

Visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7493/

Fire Phone 575-519-0103     Email:   SM.FS.GNFPAO@usda.gov 

JOHNSON FIRE

Location: Wilderness Ranger District, Gila National Forest      Start Date: May 20, 2021      Size:  87,798 acres         

Cause:  Lightning   Vegetation:  Timber with grass understory, pinyon and juniper woodlands, scrub and brush  

Total Personnel: 175    Containment:  12%

Resources:  1 Type 1 handcrew, 4 Type 2 handcrews, 3 helicopters, 8 engines and 3 water tenders

SUMMARY:  The fire grew 247 acres yesterday, despite having thunderstorms in the vicinity for most of the afternoon. The fire growth was predominantly in the West Fork of Mogollon Creek near Seventy-Four Mountain. In EE Canyon crews will begin rehabilitating the contingency line.  On the eastern side of the fire they will also continue the removal of excess equipment and hose.  An eight-person crew is being flown into the Apache Springs Cabin today. They will construct a fireline in preparation should fire activity change. The hazard tree assessment and snag removal projects were completed around the Willow Springs subdivision yesterday. The contingency fireline is still under construction at the Willow Springs subdivision. Perimeter of the fire will continue to be monitored from the air as dictated.

INCIDENT OBJECTIVES: Provide for firefighter and public safety and allow fire to play its natural role on the landscape. Values at risk include the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, White Creek Cabin, and sensitive aquatic species in the Gila Wilderness.

FIRE BEHAVIOR: Moderate, with areas of backing and creeping.

CLOSURE: Due to hazardous fire conditions in the Johnson Fire area, an Emergency Area Closure order has been issued by the Gila National Forest for public health and safety. A large portion of the Gila Wilderness is CLOSED.  For a copy of the order and maps see: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7493/.

As a reminder “The Celebration Site-Skates area,” Johnson Fire Camp is closed to the public. For further information call 575-536-2250 (M-F 8:00 – 4:00 p.m.) or 575-519-0103 (any time before 7:00 p.m.)

WEATHER: Partly cloudy (40-50%) with 20% chance of precipitation. The maximum temperature is 84-89, and the minimum humidity 17-20.

AIR QUALITY: All areas surrounding the Johnson Fire should see good air quality with the possible exception of Truth or Consequences, NM which will see good degrading to moderate.  Please follow this link to provide you with real time smoke monitoring. Find the monitor closest to your location: https://app.air- sis.com/USFS/UnitMap. The New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1,  https://nmtracking.org/fire provides guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.

SAFETY:  The Gila National Forest is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restriction, including the use of charcoal grills. Use of pressurized fuel devices with an on/off switch are acceptable.  For more information visit the Gila National Forest website under Alerts and Notices.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

GILA NATIONAL FOREST

Johnson Fire Emergency Closure

Public Health and Safety

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within and on the area, road and trails described in this Order (the “Restricted Area”) and as depicted on the attached map, herby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, all within the Wilderness, Silver City, and Glenwood Ranger Districts, Gila National Forest, Grant and Catron Counties, State of New Mexico:

1.      Going into or being upon the Restricted Area.  36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).

2.      Being on the road.  36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

3.      Being on the trail.  36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1.      Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.                                          

2.      Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force