-Gila Sustainable Community News, Calendar and Forum-

Black Range Ranger District, (575) 894-6677
Fires under one acre: Turkey, Caboose

Silver City Ranger District, (575) 388-8201
Fires under one acre: Railroad

Quemado Ranger District, (575) 772-4678
Fires under one acre: Aqua Fria, Dillon, Mail Hollow
Canovas: Detected 7/19/2010, and located 13 miles northwest of Luna, NM. 15 acres.

Reserve Ranger District , (575) 533-6231
Fires under one acre: Six Shooter, Gilita, Moraga, Gilson
Long Fire: Detected 7/15/2010, located 21 miles east of Reserve, NM. 33 acres.
Dark Fire: Detected 6/29/2010, located 13 miles southeast of Reserve, NM. 212 acres
Closures: Forest Road 4043J is closed due to safety issues – fire activity, snags, and fire personnel utilizing the road for access.
Flat Top Fire: Detected 6/28/10, located 6 miles southeast of Reserve, NM. 13 acres

Glenwood Ranger District, (575) 539-2481
Fires under on acre: Deep
Hinkle Fire: Detected 6/28/2010, located 20 miles northwest of Glenwood, NM. 105 acres

Wilderness Ranger District, (575) 536-2250
Fires under on acre: Trap, Bull, Feather, Me Own, Cub, Corrall, Sheep, Bonner, South
Monument Fire: Detected 06/27/2010, located 14 miles northeast of Mimbres, NM. 17 acres.

Fire and Smoking Restrictions
There are no fire restrictions in place on the Gila National Forest at this time.
For more information about current fire activity on the Gila National Forest, contact the fire information officer at 575-388-8245 or visit the website at http://fs.usda.gov/gila.


Monsoon season has arrived, with that comes afternoon thunderstorms and lightning. Here are some tips if lightning is striking near you:
PLAN in advance your evacuation and safety measures. When you first see lightning or hear thunder, activate your emergency plan. Now is the time to go to a building or a vehicle. Lightning often precedes rain, so don't wait for the rain to begin before suspending activities.
IF OUTDOORS...Avoid water. Avoid the high ground. Avoid open spaces. Avoid all metal objects including electric wires, fences, machinery, motors, power tools, etc. Unsafe places include underneath canopies, small picnic or rain shelters, or near trees. Where possible, find shelter in a substantial building or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle such as a car, truck or a van with the windows completely shut. If lightning is striking nearby when you are outside, you should:
Crouch down. Put feet together. Place hands over ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder.
Avoid proximity (minimum of 15 ft.) to other people.
IF INDOORS... Avoid water. Stay away from doors and windows. Do not use the telephone. Take off head sets. Turn off, unplug, and stay away from appliances, computers, power tools, & TV sets. Lightning may strike exterior electric and phone lines, inducing shocks to inside equipment.
SUSPEND ACTIVITIES for 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder.
INJURED PERSONS do not carry an electrical charge and can be handled safely. Apply First Aid procedures to a lightning victim if you are qualified to do so.
Call 911 or send for help immediately.

Sharma Hutchinson
Fire Information
Gila National Forest
3005 East Camino Del Bosque
Silver City, NM 88061
Office: 575-388-8245
Cell: 575-313-6593