Sawmill Canyon Fire

Gila National Forest Service

Quemado Ranger District

For Immediate Release Contact: Sharma Hutchinson
Date: July 6, 2013 575-773-4678
11:00 a.m. 
Fire Update: Sawmill Canyon Fire
Fire Information: 575-773-4678 Website Info: http://www.inciweb.nwcg.gov (available later today)

Fire Facts
Date started: July 5, 2013
Cause: Lightning
Location: 10 miles southwest of Quemado, NM
Size: 42 acres
Percent Contained: Perimeter lined, no percentage of containment
Number of Personnel: 125
Equipment: 2 Hotshot Crews, 2 Type 2 Crews, 1 Engine Module, 8 Smokejumpers, 5 engines
Resources Threatened: residences, watersheds
Aircraft: helicopters 2 Type 2 Helicopters, 2 Air Attack, 1 Lead Plane, 3 Air Tankers Available if needed
Injuries to Date: 0

FIRE ACTIVITY:
The fire started in the Sawmill Canyon drainage and continued up the ridge to the North yesterday afternoon. Crews, Air Tanker and Helicopter support worked throughout the day to aggressively suppress the fire. The fire was primarily burning in grass and needle cast on the ground with isolated torching of trees. Crews worked in to the night and have lined the perimeter of the fire.

Today’s weather predicts isolated showers and thunderstorm with 5% chance of rain with a maximum temperature of 81 degrees. With that weather prediction crews remain vigilant in strengthening containment lines. A Strike Force of Engines will be in place today to assess the subdivisions in the proximity of the fire as an added precaution.

THE GILA NATIONAL FOREST IS IN STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS. http://firerestrictions.us/nm/
Fire restrictions for the Gila National Forest include allowing campfires only in designated developed campgrounds and picnic areas, and must be in a Forest Service provided grill or fire pit. Fires in rock rings will not be allowed. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices are acceptable, provided they meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety. Smoking is limited to a vehicle, building, or 3-foot area cleared of all flammable materials. The following campgrounds and picnic areas have been designated for campfire use:

Kingston Campground Apache Creek Campground El Caso Campground Big Horn Campground Pueblo Park Campground Lower Scorpion Campground Upper Scorpion Campground Upper End Campground Lake Roberts Picnic Area Little Walnut Picnic Areas McMillan Campground Upper Gallinas Campground Railroad Canyon Campground

Juniper Campground Piñon Campground South Fork Campground Cottonwood Campground Grapevine Campground Forks Campground Sapillo Campground Mesa Campground Apache Creek Campground Cherry Creek Campground Iron Creek Campground Lower Gallinas Campground Dipping Vat Campground

Forest personnel strongly encourage extreme care when traveling in the National Forests. As always, fireworks are prohibited on National Forest System lands

For further information on the Sawmill Canyon Fire please call the Quemado Ranger District at 575-773-4678