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GILA NATIONAL FOREST – Full perimeter containment was reached this week on the Doagy Fire burning in the Gila National Forest while the Johnson Fire grew over 7,000 additional acres since Tuesday.
The national forest released the final update for the Doagy Fire Thursday morning, barring any significant developments. The wildfire was ignited by lightning May 14 and is located northeast of Beaverhead Administrative Site in Catron County.
Size has maintained at 12,785 acres with crews reaching 100% perimeter containment. Pockets of unburned fuel within the perimeter will continue to smolder until the forest receives significant moisture. Smoke will also remain visible.
Crews will continue to monitor the fire and ensure community and environmental safety. There is a chance for showers and thunderstorms through Sunday with weather expected to generally be warm and breezy. Conditions will be warm and dry going into next week with low humidity.
GILA NATIONAL FOREST – Fire officials note several roads, trails and one national monument will be temporarily closed due to nearby fires in the Gila National Forest, but cooler weather this week should help firefighters to control the blazes.
The largest of the four fires is the Johnson Fire, which has scorched 30,826 acres as of Tuesday morning. The Catron County fire, started by lightning on May 20, is about 11 miles west of Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
Crews continue to monitor the active blaze as it heads toward the West Fork Gila River. The West Fork Gila River trail network is closed due to the fire. Also, the Upper and Lower Scorpion campgrounds are closed to public use because they are being used for fire camp operations.
Trails, roads closed as Gila wildfires continue
Fire burns 11 miles west of Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
SILVER CITY – The Johnson Fire burning in the Gila National Forest nearly doubled in size this week, while the Doagy Fire generally held steady in size and increased in perimeter containment.
The Johnson Fire, 11 miles west of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, is burning an estimated 13,417 acres of forest land as of Thursday, according to the U.S. Forest Service. This is a 6,117-acre increase since Tuesday with no reported perimeter containment. Fire behavior has been moderate with wind-driven runs, backing and flanking.