As Three Rivers Fire reaches 98% containment, three fires spark in the Gila

It has been reported by the National Forest Service (USFS) that the massive Three Rivers Fire in the Lincoln Forest has been 98% contained after starting in late April near North side-Ruidoso, South side-Three Rivers campground, Mescalero, and Tularosa.

But just as the month-long fire in Lincoln County subsides, another fire has sparked in southern New Mexico, this time in the Gila National Forest, reportedly caused by lightning. 

The fire, dubbed the Doagy Fire, has already consumed 6,800 acres since its start on May 14, 2021, near Doagy & Corduroy Canyons in Catron County.

According to the USFS, 128 personnel have been dispatched to the area to battle the flames as of 10:09 p.m. on May 20. 

The current weather for the affected area includes a slight chance of thunderstorms with precipitation unlikely. “A warming and drying trend is forecasted through the remainder of the week,” writes the USFS.

On May 17, it was reported that the Doagy fire is surrounded on three sides by prescribed fire entry from 2019 and 2016.

On Thursday, the USFS reported that there were two additional lightning-caused smaller fires sparking in the region, the Trujillo and the Drummond fires burning on the Black Range Ranger District. 

“This fire is being managed for suppression using a confine and contain strategy which limits exposure of fire practitioners from direct proximity to the fire.  The plan will be to keep this fire south of NM Hwy 152.  The fires are burning in the scar of the 2013 Silver Fire with dead and down and multiple snags which makes it dangerous for fire fighters to be close to. Because of the dead and down trees, snags, and extremely steep terrain, during the day there will be fire-fighting resources at Emory Pass monitoring the fire,” the Forest Service notes. 

“There are some trails in the vicinity of the fire which includes the Black Range Crest #79 and Grandview Trail #146. Please stay off the trail system as they are temporarily closed due to dangerous conditions. Be very cautious driving in smoke both early in the morning and late in the evening due to limited visibility.” 

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