EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A new fire is burning in the Gila National Forest near Silver City, New Mexico.
The Goose Fire, 18 miles northwest of Silver City, started this week and is now 110 acres in size, according to the Gila National Forest.
The fire was ruled to be lightning caused. It is active along the southern edge of the Gila Wilderness.
Earlier, the Trout Fire burned more than 47,000 acres about 12 miles north of Silver City. Fire officials announced that it was nearly 100 percent contained after nearly a month.
The new Goose Fire is located west of Sheep Springs, south of the Gila River and east of Sheep’s Corral Canyon. Visitors to the Gila Wilderness should be aware that the fire is burning near Goose Lake Trail No. 238, Monument Ridge Trail No. 254, and Packsaddle Trail No. 732.
Crews have attempted to directly engage the fire, but fuel conditions, steep and rugged terrain, and outflow winds have presented challenges, officials with the Gila National Forest said.
The fire is burning east of the 2023 Turkey Fire and is moving through poderosa pine, grass and brush.
There will be a hot, drying trend in the weather over the next few days, fire officials said.
Local air quality ratings are good. For real-time smoke conditions, click here.
Residents and visitors are urged to be vigilant and travel cautiously as moderate fire traffic remains active in the Mimbres Valley corridor.
For closures and fire restrictions in the Gila National Forest, click here.
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