Good and Turkey Fire in Gila National Forest now at 17,950 acres, 70% containment

Map of Good Fire, July 4. Courtesy of InciWeb.

SILVER CITY, N.M. (KRQE) – Two fires were been reported burning in the National Forest System Lands on the Wilderness Ranger District in the Gila National Forest on Sunday, June 7. On June 11, fire officials combined information for both fires and will be providing further updates as the Good Fire and the Turkey Fire will no longer be tracked as a separate incident.

Good/Turkey Fire

Location: National Forest Lands, 4 miles southwest of Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Cause: Lightning
Containment: 70%
Size: 17,950 acres
Total Personnel: 1
Vegetation: Timber, grass and understory, tall grass and brush
Estimated Containment Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2020

The Good Fire is expected to spread to the south, southwest, and northeast. Crews will be working to keep the blaze south of Trail #151 Little Creek and west of Trail #160 Granny Mountain. This fire will remain in monitor status by fire officials and is not expected to reach 100% containment until after the start of the monsoon season.

The fire is expected to spread to the south and southwest towards Brushy Mountain and east towards the Gila River. Fire crews will continue to monitor the progression of the fire with district personnel. As of Friday, June 26, fire crews report the blaze has grown due to wind and heat.

Wind and dry lightning will be the biggest impacts on the fire as storm chances are possible east of the Rio Grande River on Tuesday, July 7. There are no weather concerns for the fire on Wednesday, July 8.

Fire officials report the planned actions will be to monitor the fire from Highway 35 and Black Mountain Lookout. There is minimal activity in the Miller Springs area.