The fire was under investigation but believed to be human-caused, burning acres of ponderosa pines and mixed conifer forest. Authorities said smoke from the fire might be seen in the surrounding ...

This particular slice of forest is a pocket of water-scoured high desert hills and ravines bolstered by a ridgeline of pine-covered highlands that include 7,818-foot Mingus Mountain and Woodchute ...

The 1.8 million-acre forest also boasts ancient volcanic peaks and Ponderosa pine forests. Popular activities include hiking, swimming, fishing, bicycling, climbing, horse riding and winter sports.