Location: Aldo Leopold Wilderness, Black Range Ranger District

Start Date: June 6, 2017 Size: 7,269 acres Cause: Lightning

Vegetation: Ponderosa pine and grass with a mixed conifer component

Resources: Four wildland fire modules, 2 EMTs, 1 water tender and other fire personnel with a total of 89

Containment: 10% (managed for multiple resource objectives)

Summary: The Round Fire is burning on the Gila National Forest in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. Firefighters on horseback will be monitoring the Diamond Creek drainage. The fire is being managed for multiple resource objectives with the primary objective of maintaining and restoring fire’s natural role in the forest. The fire will restore and enhance diverse ecosystems including Mexican spotted owl habitat. By fire maintaining its natural role in the ecosystem, the potential for catastrophic wildfire is reduced. Fire behavior is minimal due to almost 1.1” of rainfall received in the last 72 hours and plans are to transition to a smaller fire organization by the end of the week as weather and fuel conditions dictate.

There are no area, road, or trail closures relating to the Round Fire at this time. The Gila National Forest is currently open to the public. Public may experience smoky conditions if driving on FS Road 226 and/or State Highway 59. There may be fire personnel driving and working along Forest Roads 226 and 500, please keep your speeds low while traveling the area.

Smoke from the fire rises up and away during the daytime, but in the evening smoke can pool back down in canyons, drainages, and basins. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and intensify chronic heart and lung problems. Your eyes are your best tools to determine if it’s safe to be outside. If visibility is over 5 miles, the air quality is generally good. If you are having health effects from smoke exposure then take extra care to stay inside or get to an area with better air quality. You should also see your doctor or healthcare professional as needed. For information on air quality and protecting your health, and to find guidance on distances and visibility, please visit https://nmtracking.org/fire. Air quality reports are posted on Inciweb. Fire information can be found at nmfireinfo.com or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5238/.