SILVER CITY - The Johnson Fire burning in the Gila National Forest grew by over 5,000 acres since Thursday, June 3 and a new fire start was detected Friday.  Eleven miles west of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the Johnson Fire continues to grow 19 days after ignition. As of Tuesday morning the fire is 43,792 acres in size with still no perimeter containment reported. The U.S. Forest Service reported that fire activity was focused on the southern and western points of the perimeter Monday in Turkey, Sycamore and Langstroth Canyons. 

More:Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument temporarily closed beginning Saturday Burning continues in areas with available fuels, but the fire has cooled along the northern perimeter near the West Fork of the Gila River. Crews constructed a fireline south of the fire around Miller Springs Cabin for protection.  A new fire start was detected Friday, west of the Johnson Fire. The Teepee Fire is near Gobbler Creek. The forest service reports the fire is smoldering with minimal fire activity. It will continue to be monitored aerially.  The national monument has been ordered temporarily closed due to fire danger. Fire information for the two fires can be reached at 575-519-0103.  The Drummond and Trujillo Fires, ignited about a mile away from each other and south of Emory Pass, are burning 501 acres of land in the 2013 Silver Fire scar. According to the national forest, the Trujillo Fire has not grown or generated smoke since May 21 — two days after it was ignited by lightning.  The Drummond Fire received nearly an inch of rain during an isolated thunderstorm June 1. Since then it has not grown, but continues to smolder and produce small columns of smoke.   Observation and mapping of the fire took place in the following week as crews improved holding features along State Highway 152 and Kingston. Kingston's structure protection assessment of several years ago will be updated this week by observing new structures in the area. Fire personnel will communicate with the local fire department about the new plan.  More:Georgetown Mines Site remediation complete Fire system personnel are holding a public meeting in Kingston at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The gathering will take place at the Black Range Lodge Amphitheater located at 50 Main St., Kingston.  Fire information for the fires in Sierra County can be reached at 2021.drummond@firenet.gov or 575-894-6677. 

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: ~ 43,792                                        Cause:  Lightning   

Vegetation: Ponderosa Pine and Grass                           Total Personnel: 168                            Containment:  0%

RESOURCES: Three Interagency Hotshot Crews, one ten-person Hand crew, three ten-person Wildfire Modules, three Type 3 Engines, two Type 6 Engines, six Water Tenders, and two Type 3 Helicopters including a short haul medical helicopter and one Type 1 helicopter. 

 SUMMARY: The Johnson Fire is approximately 43,792 acres and is burning in the Gila Wilderness on the Gila National Forest.  The acreage is the most accurate information taken from an infrared (IR) flight on Monday evening. The suppression strategy for this fire is confine and contain. Yesterday the fire increased in size along the southern and western perimeters in Turkey, Sycamore and Langstroth Canyons.  Most activity occurred in Sycamore Canyon where available fuels burned in mixed conifers and Ponderosa pine stands. Fire behavior in Langstroth Creek area slowed as the fire moved into areas with sparser fuels. Fire in White Rocks Canyon continued to creep and smolder whereas the northern edge of the fire along the West Fork of the Gila River has cooled down considerably. Structure protection work began on Miller Springs Cabin, south of the fire area, with the construction of a fireline to surround the cabin. Tepee Fire showed minimal smoke with minimal growth.  Today firefighters will continue to monitor control lines on the northern and eastern edges while the remainder of the fire perimeters will be monitored by aerial reconnaissance.  

 INCIDENT OBJECTIVES:  Provide for public and firefighter safety and allow fire to play its natural role on the landscape. Utilize Minimum Impact Suppression techniques. Ensure information is accurate and timely regarding closures and planned fire operations. Values at risk are the White Creek Cabin and sensitive aquatic species in the Gila Wilderness.

FIRE BEHAVIOR: Moderate fire activity, with creeping, backing, and scattered torching. 

CLOSURES:  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: Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7493/   The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument remains CLOSED, and the closure shall remain in effect until rescinded.  The Cliff Dwellings is closed while fire managers implement a burn-out operation for the Johnson Fire. Light Feather and Jordan Hot Springs are also included in this closure.  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: Warm and dry weather is expected over the next few days.  Temperatures will be near normal to above normal with 0% chance of precipitation for the next five days.  Light winds southwest 5-15 mph with gusts to 25 mph in the afternoon.  Minimum relative humidity 10% or less with overnight humidity recovery 20-30%.

 AIR QUALITY:  Moderate smoke impacts are being observed in  Cliff, NM and Silver City areas in the late afternoon and evening. Most of this smoke is coming from large wildfires in eastern Arizona.  Smoke will settle in low lying areas overnight, with smokey conditions to improve during the day. Smoke from the Johnson Fire will be visible from NM Highway 15, NM Hwy 35, and US Highway 180. Smoke monitors have been placed at the Wilderness Ranger District (Unit #1073), Gila Center (Unit #1076), Silver City, NM (Unit #1074), Cliff, NM (Unit #1054) and Glenwood, NM (Unit #1075), to assess smoke impacts, and can be viewed at https://app.airsis.com/USFS/UnitMap.

Please see the New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1, https://nmtracking.org/fire for 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

Region 3, Gila National Forest  Forest Service   News Release  Public Affairs Officer: Marta Call(575) 388-8201, (575) 519-0103 SM.FS.GNFPAO@usda.gov 
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Forest Order for Johnson Fire Temporary Area Closures Glenwood and Wilderness Ranger District Silver City, NM. June 7, 2021.

Order Number: 03-06-05-21-016UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREFOREST SERVICEGILA NATIONAL FORESTJohnson Fire Emergency ClosurePublic 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 the area and on the trails described in this Order, all within the Wilderness and Glenwood Ranger Districts, Gila National Forest, Grant and Catron Counties within the State of New Mexico:1. Going into or being upon the Restricted Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).
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 in the performance of an official duty.
RESTRICTED AREA:
All National Forest System lands and trails within the exterior boundaries of the Gila National Forest as depicted on the attached map at Exhibit A.The description of the closure area is as follows:From the Little Bear Trail # 729 intersection with New Mexico Highway 15 travel north approximately three miles along the Little Bear Trail #729 to its intersection with the Middle Fork Trail #157. Then follow the Middle Fork Trail #157 in a northwesterly and then westerly direction to its intersection with the Iron Creek Mesa Trail #171. Follow the Iron Creek Mesa Trail #171 west till it intersects the West Fork Trail# 151. Follow the West Fork Trail #151 in a westerly direction to its intersection with Whitewater Baldy Trail #172. Follow Whitewater Baldy Trail #172 in a southwesterly direction to the intersection with the Crest Trail #182. Follow the Crest Trail #182 in a northwesterly direction to the intersection with the Whitewater Trail #207.1. Then follow the Whitewater Trail # 207.1 downstream in a westerly direction to the intersection with the Redstone Trail #206 (Lipsey Canyon portion). Follow Redstone Trail # 206 in a southeasterly direction to the intersection with Holt-Apache Trail #181. Then follow the Holt-Apache Trail #181 in a northwesterly direction to the intersection with East Fork Whitewater Trail #213. Follow the East Fork Whitewater Trail #213 to the east to the intersection with Little WhitewaterOrder Number: 03-06-05-21-016Trail #214. Follow the Little Whitewater Trail #214 in a westerly direction to the GilaWilderness boundary. At this point, the western side of the closure area boundary is theGila Wilderness boundary from Little Whitewater Trail at the north to Mogollon Trail #153Trailhead at the southern end. From Mogollon #153 Trailhead (near the end of CountyRoad 2-6 (Nine-Sixteen Rd.)), travel due east approximately 7.5 miles as the crow flies tillyou intersect the Turkey Creek Trail #155. Follow the Turkey Creek Trail #155 in aneasterly direction till it intersects the Miller Springs Trail #159. Follow the Miller SpringsTrail #159 south to the intersection with Granny Mountain Trail #160. Follow GrannyMountain Trail #160 east then north northeast till it intersects with NM State Highway 15at the Gila Cliff Dwellings.PURPOSETo assure the protection of public health and safety in the Closure Area during the JohnsonFire suppression activities.
IMPLEMENTATION
1. This Order will be effective on June 7, 2021, at 0800, and will remain in effect untilDecember 31st, 2021, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.2. A Map identifying the area closure is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A.For a digital version of the Order map, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/gila/alertsnotices3. Any violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 forindividuals and $10,000.00 for organizations and/or imprisonment for not more than six(6) months (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581 (b)(7)).4. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Gila National ForestSupervisors office located in Silver City, NM, telephone number 575-388-82015. This Order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting the same act covered by thisOrder.
Done at Silver City, New Mexico this _6_ day of June 2021________________________ __June 6, 2021__For MICHIKO MARTIN DateRegional ForesterRegion 3 Southwestern Region

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: ~ 41,209 Cause: LightningVegetation: Ponderosa Pine and Grass Total Personnel: 179 Containment: 0%
RESOURCES: Three Interagency Hotshot Crews, one ten-person Hand crew, three ten-person Wildfire Modules, three Type 3 Engines, two Type 6 Engines, five Water Tenders, and two Type 3 Helicopters including a short haul medical helicopter and one Type 1 helicopter.
SUMMARY: The Johnson Fire is approximately 41,209 acres and is burning in the Gila Wilderness on the Gila National Forest. The suppression strategy for this fire is confine and contain. Yesterday fire behavior was moderate throughout most of the fire area. The northern edge has cooled down considerably. Most of the fire activity occurred on the southern and southwestern portion of the fire. Sycamore Creek area saw single tree torching in dense mixed conifers. Crews continued to patrol control lines along the West Fork of the Gila River. Firefighters mopped up the spot fire near Straw Canyon. Teepee Fire, the new start detected on Friday near Gobbler Creek, continues to smolder with minimal fire activity and is being monitored by aerial observation. Today, crews will patrol control lines along the northern and eastern edges of the fire. The southern portion of the fire will be monitored by air operations. Control line preparations in EE Canyon continue as fire managers wait for favorable conditions to initiate burn-out operations.

 INCIDENT OBJECTIVES: Provide for public and firefighter safety and allow fire to play its natural role on the landscape. Utilize Minimum Impact Suppression techniques. Ensure information is accurate and timely regarding closures and planned fire operations. Values at risk are the White Creek Cabin and sensitive aquatic species in the Gila Wilderness.
FIRE BEHAVIOR: Moderate fire activity, with creeping, backing, and scattered torching.
CLOSURES: The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is CLOSED effective, June 5, 2021, and the closure shall remain in effect until rescinded. The Cliff Dwellings are being closed while fire managers implement a burn-out operation for the Johnson Fire. Due to hazardous fire conditions in the fire area, the West Fork Gila River trail network as well as the Middle Fork Trail #157 is CLOSED to visitor use until further notice. Visitors are warned to keep off these trails for their personal safety and to not impede the work of firefighters managing the fire. 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: Drier air will push into the area throughout the day from the west with much warmer temperatures and breezy afternoons. Partly cloudy this morning then becoming mostly sunny in the afternoon. Maximum temperatures 79-84 degrees. Winds 12-17 mph with gusts to 21 mph. Maximum relative humidity-10-12 %. Chance of precipitation is 10%.
AIR QUALITY: Moderate smoke impacts are being observed in the Cliff and Silver City areas in the late afternoon and evening. Most of this smoke is coming from large wildfires in eastern Arizona. Smoke will settle in low lying areas overnight, with smokey conditions to improve during the day. Smoke from the Johnson Fire will be visible from NM Highway 15, NM Hwy 35, and US Highway 180. Smoke monitors have been placed at the Wilderness Ranger District (Unit #1073), Lake Roberts (Unit #1074),Gila Center (Unit #1075) and in Cliff, NM (Unit #1074) to assess smoke impacts, and can be viewed at https://app.airsis.com/USFS/UnitMap.Please see the New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1, https://nmtracking.org/fire for 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: ~ 38,300 Cause: LightningVegetation: Ponderosa Pine and Grass Total Personnel: 183 Containment: 0%
RESOURCES: Three Interagency Hotshot Crews, one ten-person Hand crew, three ten-person Wildfire Modules, three Type 3 Engines, three Type 6 Engines, five Water Tenders, and two Type 3 Helicopters including a short haul medical helicopter and one Type 1 helicopter.
SUMMARY: The Johnson Fire is approximately 38,300 acres and is burning in the Gila Wilderness on the Gila National Forest. The suppression strategy for this fire is confine and contain. Yesterday afternoon a small spot fire was detected across the northern control line near Straw Canyon and firefighters quickly responded to secure the spot. The fire continued to back toward all perimeters with some increased fire behavior in the Sycamore, South Fork Mogollon, and Manzanita Creek Canyons. A new lightning caused fire was detected west of the fire near Gobbler Creek. Today crews will continue to monitor fire activity on the northern edge of the fire while the south and eastern perimeters will be monitored by aerial observation. Firefighters will mop up the spot fire across the northern edge of the fire. The Structure Protection Group will continue assessment and protection around the Gila Visitor Center and the Gila Cliff Dwelling Contact Center area.
INCIDENT OBJECTIVES: Provide for public and firefighter safety and allow fire to play its natural role on the landscape. Utilize Minimum Impact Suppression techniques. Insure information is accurate and timely regarding closures and planned fire operations. Values at risk are the White Creek Cabin and sensitive aquatic species in the Gila Wilderness.
FIRE BEHAVIOR: Moderate fire activity, with creeping, backing, and scattered torching.
ANNOUNCEMENT: The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument CLOSED today, June 5, 2021 and the closure shall remain in effect until rescinded. The Cliff Dwellings are being closed while fire managers implement a burn-out operation for the Johnson Fire.
WEATHER: The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Shower and thunderstorm activity is expected to occur in the south and southeast areas of the fire. These storms can produce hail followed by gusty and erratic winds. Overnight relative humidity recoveries will be around 35-45% whereas minimum relative humidity remains around 14-16% through Saturday.
AIR QUALITY: Moderate smoke impacts may be observed in low lying areas overnight, with periods of light to moderate smoke during the day. Smoke will visible from NM Highway 15, NM Hwy 35, and US Highway 180, and on the trail system. Smoke monitors have been placed at the Wilderness Ranger District (Unit #1073), Lake Roberts (Unit #1074),Gila Center (Unit #1075) and in Cliff, NM (Unit #1074) to assess smoke impacts, and can be viewed at https://app.airsis.com/USFS/UnitMap. Please see the New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1, https://nmtracking.org/fire for 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: Due to hazardous fire conditions in the area, the West Fork Gila River trail network as well as the Middle Fork Trail #157 is CLOSED to visitor use until further notice. Visitors are warned to keep off these trails for their personal safety and to not impede the work of firefighters managing the fire. For further information call 575-536-2250 (M-F 8:00 – 4:00 p.m.) or 575-519-0103 (any time before 9:00 p.m.)

Mimbres, NM, June 3, 2021—The Johnson Fire on the Gila National Forest is burning within the boundaries of the Gila Wilderness. The National Park Service is closing the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (Cliff Dwellings) effective 8:00 a.m. Saturday, June 5, 2021 and shall remain in effect until rescinded. 

The Cliff Dwellings are being closed while fire managers implement a burn-out operation for the Johnson Fire.  A copy of the closure order is included with this release and will be posted on both the Gila NF website and the Cliff Dwellings website. The burn-out will occur west of the Cliff Dwellings in the Gila Wilderness along EE Canyon Trail 163. Burning out is a fire suppression operation where fire is set along the inside edge of a control line or natural barrier to consume unburned fuel between the line and the fire perimeter. This reinforces a fire control line and speeds up control efforts.  The purpose of the burn-out is to reduce the risk of the Johnson Fire moving toward the Cliff Dwellings and the community of Gila Hot Springs. 

During the burn-out operations access to the Cliff Dwellings will be restricted to fire personnel only and there will be a temporary road closure at the junction of NM Hwy 15 and the road leading to Cliff Dwellings Contact Center. 

Along with the closure of the Cliff Dwellings, the Middle Fork Trail #157 has now been added to the list of trail closures.  This trail closure extends from the Middle Fork Trailhead near the Gila Visitor Center to The Meadows at the junction of Meadows Trail #53.   There are trail closures in the area west of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Know before you go and check out maps and fire information on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7493/.

The reason for these closures is for visitor health and safety, and to allow firefighters to work unimpeded by visitor use while they are managing the Johnson Fire.   

For further information on these closures, alternate routes through the Gila Wilderness, or fire updates call 575-536-2250 (M-F 8:00 – 4:00 p.m.) or 575-519-0103 (any time between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.). The number for the Gila Cliff Dwellings is 575-536-9461 and their voicemail will be active, and calls will be returned.

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: ~ 38,225                                Cause: Lightning 

Vegetation: Ponderosa Pine and Grass                          Total Personnel: 216                     Containment:  0%

 Resources: Three Interagency Hotshot Crews, one ten-person Hand crew, three ten-person Wildfire Modules, three Type 3 Engines, three Type 6 Engines, five Water Tenders, and two Type 3 Helicopters including a short haul medical helicopter.  

SUMMARY: The Johnson Fire is approximately 38,225 acres and is burning in the Gila Wilderness on the Gila National Forest. The suppression strategy for this fire is confine and contain. Yesterday, light precipitation fell over the fire area slowing growth potential. The fire has moved into burned areas of last year’s Cub Fire.  Fire slowly advanced into Sycamore and Mogollon Creek Canyons.  The areas on eastern side of the fire backed toward the Good Fire scar.  Firefighter’s efforts to protect the historic White Creek Cabin has been successful. Preparation activities to secure control lines along EE Canyon Trail #163 area continued.  Today, hose lays and pumps for control efforts are being staged in EE Canyon for the anticipated burn-out operations.  Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire growth potential on the northeastern sections, whereas the southern edge will be monitored by support from air resources.  The Structure Protection Group continues to assess structures around the Gila Cliff Dwellings Contact Center and Gila Visitor Center to prepare a structure protection plan.

 
 INCIDENT OBJECTIVES:  Provide for public and firefighter safety and allow fire to play its natural role on the landscape. Utilize Minimum Impact Suppression techniques. Insure information is accurate and timely regarding closures and planned fire operations. Values at risk are the White Creek Cabin and sensitive aquatic species in the Gila Wilderness.

FIRE BEHAVIOR: Moderate fire activity, with creeping and backing throughout.  

ANNOUNCEMENT:  The National Park Service is closing the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument effective 8:00 a.m. Saturday, June 5, 2021 and shall remain in effect until rescinded.  The Cliff Dwellings are being closed while fire managers implement a burn-out operation for the Johnson Fire. 

WEATHER: Shower and thunderstorm activity is expected to exist south and southeast across the fire area capable of producing hail, followed by gusty and erratic winds.  Overnight relative humidity recovery will increase.  Saturday is expected to be warmer and drier.

AIR QUALITY:  Moderate smoke impacts may be observed in low lying areas overnight, with periods of light to moderate smoke during the day. Smoke will visible from NM Highway 15, NM Hwy 35, and US Highway 180, and on the trail system. Smoke monitors have been placed at the Wilderness Ranger District (Unit #1073), Lake Roberts (Unit #1074),Gila Center (Unit #1075) and in Cliff, NM (Unit #1074) to assess smoke impacts, and can be viewed at https://app.airsis.com/USFS/UnitMap. Please see the New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1, https://nmtracking.org/fire for 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:  Due to hazardous fire conditions in the area, the West Fork Gila River trail network as well as the Middle Fork Trail #157 is CLOSED to visitor use until further notice. Visitors are warned to keep off these trails for their personal safety and to not impede the work of firefighters managing the fire.  For further information please call 575-536-2250 (M-F 8:00 – 4:00 p.m.) or 575-519-0103 (any time before 9:00 p.m.)