SILVER CITY, NM, June 9, 2024 – The lightning-caused Trip and Antone fires were reported west of Mangas Mountain on the Quemado Ranger District, Gila National Forest on June 7, 2024. Both fires were located within a 1/4 mile of each other and have since burned together and are being managed as the Antone fire. The Antone fire is currently 671 acres and is burning in primarily ponderosa pine and minimal mixed conifer. Observed fire behavior has been low intensity surface fire with moderate rates of spread. 

Currently, the Antone fire is being managed with a confine and contain strategy, using direct and indirect suppression and point protection tactics. This strategy is subject to change based on changing conditions. As always, the safety of our firefighters and community is our top priority. Management objectives include the continuation of restoration work in the Slaughter Mesa area to improve habitat and reduce fuel loads.

 The planned management area for the Antone fire is just over 12,000 acres, with county and forest roads identified as control lines. The southern and western boundaries have been identified as Forest Road 13, with CAT-A095 (Mangas Rd) being identified as the eastern boundary, and Forest Road 93 being the northern boundary.

Currently, there are two interagency hotshot crews, one tactical water tender, four type 6 fire engines, and a type 4 incident commander assigned to the Antone fire. Firefighting personnel are scouting the planned management area, and prepping values at risk to mitigate fire impacts. Some hand lighting has occurred to take advantage of cool and moist conditions, lessening impacts to Mexican spotted owl habitat and mixed conifer.

Smoke can be seen from US Highway 60 and NM Highway 12. View an interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov /. Learn more about smoke impacts at https://www.env.nm.gov/air-quality/fire-smoke-links /.

For more information, contact District Fire Management Officer Dustin Roper, at dustin.roper@usda.gov  or 575-773-4678.