Turkeyfeather Fire Update July 9th

Acres: 5,287
Start Date: Monday, June 30, 2025
Location: 22 miles SE of Reserve, NM
Personnel: 75
Containment: 0%
Cause: Undetermined

Summary: The Turkeyfeather Fire is burning in the northern portion of the Gila Wilderness west of the Middle Fork of the Gila River, south of Iron Creek and east of Cooper Canyon. The Chicken Fire is near the Turkeyfeather Fire and the two fires could merge. Visitors to the Gila Wilderness should be aware that the fires are burning in the area of Lilley Park Trail #164, Iron Creek Mesa Trail #171, and Cooper Trail #141 and Turkeyfeather Pass.
Due to higher humidity and light rain over the past couple of days, fire activity has been moderated slightly. On Turkeyfeather Mountain, the fire is burning in downed heavy fuels within burn scars of previously burnt areas. Fire behavior is mostly static, with movement occurring in response to wind-driven conditions. The recent increase in acreage is due to better mapping through helicopter reconnaissance. Air reconnaissance mapping will begin occurring more frequently.
Ground crews will continue to prep the Middle Fork Trail. They will also begin scouting and prepping contingency lines from previously constructed lines from recent fires. Crews are also establishing management action points (MAPs) to the south in Lilly Mountain.
Northeasterly winds will carry smoke from the Turkeyfeather Fire towards the Highway 180 corridor from Glenwood southward to Cliff and Gila through midday. Winds are expected to become variable this afternoon into this evening.

Weather: Wednesday will be mostly sunny with cloudy conditions in the afternoon.
Smoke: Local air quality ratings are good. For real-time smoke conditions, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov/
Safety: Please remain vigilant and travel cautiously as moderate fire traffic remains active in the travel corridor of the Mimbres Valley.
Closures and Fire Restrictions:
Gila National Forest Closures and Alerts: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts
More Incident Information:
Inciweb: Nmgnf 2025Turkeyfeathergnf Information | InciWeb
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GilaNForest
Public Information Phone: 575-342-1883 (8am – 8pm)