Gila National Forest – Round Fire update, 6/12/2017 @ 1300

Location:  Aldo Leopold Wilderness, Black Range Ranger District,

Start Date:     June 6, 2017               Size:   1,315 acres     Cause: Lightning

Vegetation:    Ponderosa pine and grass

Resources:    1 wildlland fire module, smokejumpers, 1 engine, and district personnel totaling 44

Containment: 0% (managed for multiple resource objectives)

Summary: The Round Fire is burning on National Forest System lands in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. Values at risk include private property and structures, range improvements, heritage resources, Gila trout habitat, and Mexican spotted owl habitat.  The objective for managing the fire for multiple resource objectives is to allow fire to play its natural role in the ecosystem while reducing hazardous fuels; this would reduce future catastrophic wildfire effects.

Fire behavior has been low to moderate with one-three foot flame lengths. The weather forecast is for continued warmth, with low relative humidity and possible afternoon winds.

Fire information can be found at nmfireinfo.com. For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila or join the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GilaNForest/ or on Twitter @GilaNForest.