Corral Fire (map below)

The Corral Fire is estimated at 16,321 acres and is burning with low to moderate intensity in pinon juniper grassland fuels and some pine stringers. The fire received some precipitation and thunderstorms are expected through Thursday. Operations for the next 3-5 days included continuing to prep FR 150 and Middle Mesa Trail to the boundary of the Gila Wilderness. This fire is behaving as it should in a fire adapted ecosystem. The strategy of this fire is to reduce live woody fuels, reduce fuel loads on the ground, improve forest health and watershed conditions, and support the reintroduction of fire in the natural ecosystem. This fire is now under a Type 3 Organization.

Straw Fire (map below)

The Straw Fire, at 7,000 acres, is also in the Gila Wilderness. Fire behavior is low to moderate. This fire is about 2.5 miles east of the Gila Cliff Dwellings. There is a “Smoke Ahead” sign on NM Hwy 15 that will be used in the event of heavy smoke. The forest recommends extreme caution in smoky conditions and considering the possibility of using Hwy 35 as an alternate to the Cliff Dwellings. This fire is also being managed for multiple objectives including fuels reduction, reduce live wood density in the pinon-juniper and maintain the natural role of fire in the Wilderness. The district will monitor the Straw Fire from Mogollon Baldy Lookout, high points on HWY 15 and the occasional aerial reconnaissance.

Forest Service Road 150 is open to motorists. Traffic will be heavier than usual, so please exercise caution and yield to fire vehicles as needed. Air Quality reports for both east and west of the Continental Divide are posted on Inciweb. For more information on this fire https://nmfireinfo.com/ or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/unit/3178/ .

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila 

{pdf}mypdfs/Corral_June_18-PIO-map.pdf{/pdf}

{pdf}mypdfs/Straw_PIO_Map_June_10.pdf{/pdf}