NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The Pass Fire started on May 17 in the Gila National Forest near Forest Road 141, one mile east of Indian Creek Cabin and about a mile north of the Gila wilderness boundary. Officials say a lightning strike started the fire.

Multiple burn scars are around the fire and have limited the growth and ability for the fire to spread, according to officials. Firefighters are closely monitoring the fire as they allow it to burn “naturally in this fire-dependent ecosystem.”

Pass Fire

  • Start Date: May 17, 2023
  • Location: 1 mile west of Wolf Hollow Campground, south of Highway 59
  • Containment: 32%
  • Size: 59,904 acres
  • Structures Threatened: No
  • Structures Burned: No
  • Evacuations: No
  • Cause: Lightning strike
  • Personnel: 140, 1 Type 3 helicopter
  • Area Vegetation: Timber, pinon/juniper, and grass
  • Ownership(s): Unknown
  • Restrictions: Temporary Flight Restriction over the Pass Fire. All non-fire aircraft are prohibited in the area, including civilian drones.