Nearly 60 NM Firefighters to Battle Gila Blaze

Firefighters from around New Mexico continue to battle a 410 acre blaze caused by lightning in the Gila National Forest.

Officials say nearly 60 firefighters were dispatched to southwest New Mexico to help battle the Whitewater fire in steep, rough, rugged terrain in mixed conifer.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire, located 10 miles northeast of Glenwood, is burning in all directions but mostly to the east.

Smoke was visible from N.M. Highway 180.

There were no reports of evacuations but the blaze forced the closure of at least seven trails.  See a map and photos here.