Start Date: June 30, 2018
Acres: ~4,543
Location: 4 miles northeast of Saddle Mountain, Gila NF
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber (litter, grass and understory)
Total Personnel: 209

General Information: The Owl Fire began on June 30, 2018. The fire is located on Aspen Mountain and has crossed FR 209 into Frieborn Canyon in an inventoried roadless area (IRA). Heavy fuels will continue to hold heat until substantial rainfall over the area. The fire perimeter is currently 63% contained.

Fire Operations: Crews will monitor and evaluate the need for firing operations as necessary on Horse Mesa. On the southwest corner of the fire, crews have halted fire spread with direct line construction. Suppression repair continues on all divisions. Air resources are assigned to the incident.

Fire Behavior: Fire behavior has been low due to precipitation over the fire area on July 9 and high overnight recoveries. Fire spread is primarily to the north and east, and visible from Alma, NM, along the US Hwy 180 corridor through Luna, NM. Smoke may also be visible in Alpine, AZ and Rancho Grande Subdivision.

Weather: Abundant monsoonal moisture will continue to flow in from the south and east, for more scattered storm activity over the next few days. The fire has received some precipitation which has aided in fire suppression efforts.

Smoke: Smoke settles in drainages and washes and begins drifting about 9:00 p.m. and peaking at 6:00 a.m., when they become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures such as leaving windows closed. For more information on air quality and health impacts due to wildfire smoke, please visit the New Mexico Department of Health website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.

Fire Safety/Closures: Forest Order 06-18-011 Owl Fire Temporary Area Closure is effective as of July 7. The Gila NF is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Fire Danger is still rated as VERY HIGH.

Fire Information: Fire information can be found at https://nmfireinfo.com/ and on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5883/, and on the Gila NF Facebook.