EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Gila National Forest has issued a temporary closure order for the northwestern corner of the Gila Wilderness. This order is in place to protect public health and safety in an area with active firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the Sacaton Fire. The order goes into effect at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1.
As of Monday, the fire was about 370 acres in size. The lightning-caused Sacaton Fire was detected Sunday, June 21, in the Gila Wilderness. It is currently about 3.5 miles west of the Mogollon Baldy Lookout and approximately 12 miles east of the community of Pleasanton.Under this closure order, the public is prohibited from entering all National Forest System lands, trails, and roads in the closure area. Violation of the order is punishable by fines and/or imprisonment. Federal, state, and local officers, firefighters, members of an organized rescue team, and any others authorized by Forest Service permit are exempt from the closure order…