Silver Fire Update - 125,757 acres

Silver Fire Update

Estimated Acres: 125, 757 

Containment Increases to 45%

Yesterday’s Summary: Fire activity was moderate with light precipitation over some of the fire area. The fire was actively backing down the western perimeter. On the west side the, fire is burning into piñon and juniper where it is going out. Fire crews continued work on containing spot fires to the west side of the fire within the Rabb Park Trail area. The infrared flight last night could not determine the exact size of the growth due to heavy smoke and cloud cover.

Today’s Update: Burnout operations may be utilized on the west and northwest side of the fire today if conditions warrant, helping reduce the fire’s intensity. If the burnout operation is initiated, there may be an increase in smoke. The south and east sides of the fire will continue to be monitored by air.

The Gila National Forest will be coordinating a retrieval of Gila Trout from South Diamond Creek as a precautionary measure.

Smoke: Variable winds are expected near the Silver Fire. Communities of Mimbers Valley and surrounding areas can expect smoke from the Silver Fire intermittently at different times of the day as the winds shifts directions.

Additional smoke may be visible along the north and northwest part of the fire if the burnout operations are initiated. For information about health effects of smoke, including actions individuals can take to protect themselves, and guidance on distances and visibility based on location of current fires, please visit https://nmtracking.org/fire.

Today’s Weather: Moisture is starting to move into the area bringing more cloud cover, slightly lower temperatures, an increase in relative humidity, and light winds. There is also a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms on the Black Range that may bring dry lightning.

Open Areas: Silver City, Hillsboro, and Winston remain open. Businesses along NM State Highways 15 and 35 remain open, all the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The majority of the Gila National Forest is open for recreational opportunities with Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect. For more information on restrictions, go to firerestrictions.us. There is an emergency closure on the Forest for the fire area. For more information about the fire closure go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila

Road Closure: NM Highway 152 is closed from Kingston to San Lorenzo. For additional information go to www.nmroads.com. 

www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM www.flickr.com/gilaforest www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM

Silver Fire - 107K acres estimated

Silver Fire Update - Saturday, June 29, 2013 9:34 AM

Estimated Acres: 107,000 

Cause: Lightning 

Start Date: June 7, 2013
Containment: 35% 

Location: Vicinity of Kingston, NM 

Fuels: Timber
Total Personnel: 728 

Terrain: Steep, rugged
Containment Increases to 35%

Yesterday’s Summary: The fire was extremely active yesterday to the northwest, and partially to the north, causing a smoke plume to reach 39,000 feet in the air early in the day. An infrared flight last night could not determine the exact size of the growth due to heavy smoke and cloud cover. One large spot fire on the west side of the fire in Quaking Aspen Canyon continued to grow. Crews are actively trying to suppress that spot fire. Helicopters were not utilized due to extreme fire behavior and heavy smoke. Aerial ignition was utilized on ridgetops on the northwest corner of the fire near the fire’s edge which was successful in easing the burn severity in that area.

Today’s Update: As conditions allow, aerial firing operations will continue to help reduce the fire’s intensity. Fire crews will continue work on containing fire that spotted to the west and constructing indirect fireline further out from fires edge on the west side of the fire within the Cooney Canyon area. The south and east sides of the fire will be monitored by air as no fire activity has be detected for several days. Smoke observed on the east side of the fire is within the North Seco Canyon near the Forest Service boundary.

The Incident Management Team has a land use agreement with the State to utilize their allotment of water from Bear Canyon Lake for water drops. The Team is keeping close records of how much water they are taking out of the Lake to make sure they stay within the terms of the agreement.

Smoke: Winds will initially push smoke to the west but will eventually be out of the southwest changing the direction of smoke to the northeast away from the Silver City and Mimbers Valley areas. Smoke columns may again be visible along the northern part of the fire, especially when mixed conifer fuels burn. For information about health effects of smoke, including actions individuals can take to protect themselves, and guidance on distances and visibility based on location of current fires, please visit https://nmtracking.org/fire.

Today’s Weather: Moisture is starting to move into the area bringing more cloud cover, slightly lower temperatures, an increase in relative humidity, and light winds. There is also a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms on the Black Range that may bring dry lightning.

Open Areas: Silver City, Hillsboro, and Winston remain open. Businesses along NM State Highways 15 and 35 remain open, all the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The majority of the Gila National Forest is open for recreational opportunities with Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect. For more information on restrictions, go to firerestrictions.us. There is an emergency closure on the Forest for the fire area. For more information about the fire closure go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila

Road Closure: NM Highway 152 is closed from Kingston to San Lorenzo. For additional information go to www.nmroads.com.

www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM www.flickr.com/gilaforest www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM

Silver Fire - 101,311 acres

Acres: 101,311
Cause: Lightning
Start Date: June 28, 2013
Containment: 20%
Location: Vicinity of Kingston, NM
Fuels: Timber
Total Personnel: 758
Terrain: Steep, rugged

WIND SHIFT – SMOKE IN SILVER CITY and MIMBRES VALLEY

PUBLIC MEETING TONIGHT IN SAN LORENZO
LOCATION CHANGE:   ROUND-UP LODGE 
FRIDAY, JUNE 28 AT 6 P.M.

Today’s Update:   After three days of extreme drying in southern New Mexico, the Silver Fire grew to 101,311 acres Thursday. Winds that originated from the east fueled flames on the west flank and pushed smoked over the Mimbres Valley, Silver City and beyond.  The southernmost fire activity is about 5 ½ miles north and away from highway 35, which remains open.

With Thursday’s wind shift, fire activity increased on the west flank.  A total of three small spot fires broke out in the Rabb Park Trail area; however, the trail was not compromised.  Two of the three spot fires were put out.  While heavy smoke socked in the Mimbres Valley, the majority of fire growth and extreme activity occurred on the northwestern edge of the fire.  The east side of the fire, near Winston, did not have much activity; crews remain there to monitor.  Last night the fire was south of the Spud Patch Ridge Trail and west of Lake Mountain.
Today, residents can expect to see fire crews and helicopter water drops around the Highway 35 / McKnight area.  Additional crews are posted in the Cooney area for further protection there.
Containment: The containment remains at 20% due to the new fire growth and expansion to the northwest matched or exceeded the fire perimeter.

Smoke: Residents from the Mimbres Valley to Silver City will still see smoke today; it will begin to dissipate as a new weather system moves in.  Afternoon smoke columns are likely, especially when mixed conifer fuels burn. Information on wildland fire smoke and your health can be found on the New Mexico Department of Health's website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.

Today’s Weather: It will be slightly less dry, but weather conditions remain extreme. An upper ridge weather system will move in today, slowly moving smoke away, and allowing clouds to form. There is an opportunity for dry lightning this weekend, and a slight potential for precipitation on Monday.

Opened Access: Silver City is accessible.  Businesses along New Mexico State Highways 15 and 35 remain open, all the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The majority of the Gila National Forest is open for recreational opportunities with Stage One fire restrictions in effect. For more information on restrictions, go to firerestrictions.us.

Road Closure:  NM Highway 152 is closed from Kingston to San Lorenzo.  For additional information go to www.nmroads.com.

For additional fire information, visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM
www.flickr.com/gilaforest    www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM

Silver Fire - Location change for Mimbres Public Meeting

From: Gila National-Forest [mailto:silverfiregila@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2013 9:12 PM
Subject: Location change for Mimbres Public Meeting

 The location of the Silver Fire Public Meeting for the Mimbres Valley has moved to the Round Up Lodge in San Lorenzo.  The time will still be at 6PM on Friday, June 28.

Silver Fire - 90,217 acres

Acres:  90,217
Cause:  Lightning
Start Date: June 7, 2013                          
Containment:  20%
Location: vicinity of Kingston, NM          
Fuels: Timber
Total personnel: 705
Terrain: steep, rugged

Public Meeting Friday at the Upper Mimbres Volunteer Fire Department Station 2 (Thunderbird) 6 p.m.

Today’s Actions:   Full suppression efforts will continue today. Significant fire activity is expected today; as weather conditions will be hot, dry and unstable. The fuels in the fire area are critically dry and the fire is expected to keep moving toward the north, east of the Forest Trail No. 307 (Crest Trail).

Crews remain focused on the west flank of the fire. Burnout operations will be conducted south of McKnight Road, and east of the Crest Trail, south of Spud Patch Trail to minimize fire effects to the upper North Seco Watershed.  Helicopter water drops continue on the west perimeter, utilizing all possible hours of allotted flight time.  Minimal fire activity today is expected on the east side, as the fire is reaching lighter fuels in the lower elevation.  Fire personnel continue to monitor the east flank of the fire to detect any hot spots.  The area around Kingston and State Highway 152 remains secure.  The north perimeter of the fire as of 10:00 p.m. last night was in North Seco Canyon, south of Marshall Spring.

THERE ARE CURENTLY NO EVACUATIONS AND NO STRUCTURES HAVE BURNED.  The fire is approximately 3 miles southwest of Hermosa and 16 miles southwest of Winston.  Firefighters completed structure protection in Hermosa, and have moved their efforts to the Cooney and Bloodgood area. Firefighters have completed structure protection at the McKnight Cabin.

Access to Silver City is open.  Businesses along New Mexico State Highways 15 and 35 remain open, all the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The majority of the Gila National Forest is open for recreational opportunities with Stage One fire restrictions in effect. For more information on restrictions, go to firerestrictions.us. There is an emergency closure in place for the fire area. For more information about the fire closure go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila .

Today’s weather: Today the area will experience westerly winds. Temperature will be in the mid to upper 90’s, with a few more clouds expected. Relative humidity will be between 5-8%.

Smoke: Smoke will be seen in the Mimbres Valley and the communities of Hillsboro and Kingston. Smoke could extend across a wide area from Silver City south towards Deming and along the I-10 corridor towards Las Cruces.   Information on wildland fire smoke and your health can be found on the New Mexico Department of Health's website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.

Road Closure:  NM Highway 152 is closed from Kingston to San Lorenzo.  For additional information go to www.nmroads.com.

For additional fire information, visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM
www.flickr.com/gilaforest         www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM

Silver Fire - USFS areas closed

Aldo Leopold Wilderness, Adjacent Forest Lands, & Forest Road 150 Closed

Silver City, NM; June 26, 2013-- Due to continued fire activity on the Silver Fire and concerns for public safety, as of June 23rd, the entire Aldo Leopold Wilderness and adjacent forest lands to the south, southeast, and to the eastern boundary of the Forest including Forest Road 150 from the Mimbres Valley at N.M. 35 north to Forest Road 4069G located at Main Diamond Creek are closed to all public entry until further notice.

Rocky Canyon, Upper and Lower Black Canyon Campgrounds including all forest trails east of Forest Road 150, and within the Aldo Leopold Wilderness are part of this closure.

Forest Road 150 is open south from Beaverhead off N.M. 59 to Forest Road 4069G, the Main Diamond Creek road.

“I am thankful for the public’s support during another year of wildfire on the Gila National Forest; the public’s fire prevention awareness and support is at an all-time high,” says Forest Supervisor Kelly Russell.

The boundary description of the closure includes:

• Starting at the intersection of Forest Road 150 and State Hwy 35 (T15S, R12W, sec. 23) and proceeding north along and including
Forest Road 150 to Forest Road 4069G (T11S, R12W, sec34),
• then east to the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Boundary (T11S, R12W, sec 35),
• then north and east along the Aldo Leopold Wilderness boundary to the junction with Forest Trail 813 (T12S, R09W sec 6),
• then east along Forest Trail 813 (Byers Run) and Forest Road 895 to the Forest boundary T12S, R08W sec 6),
• then south and east along the Forest boundary to the Sierra/Grant county line (T18S, R9W, sec 13).
• From the Sierra/Grant County line along the Forest Boundary west and north to the intersection with State Hwy 152 (T16S, R10W, sec13)
then north and west along the Forest boundary to its intersection with State Hwy 35, then north and west along the Forest boundary
on the east side of State Hwy 35 to the intersection of State Hwy 35 and Forest Road 150 (T15S, R12W, sec. 23). 

A partial closure of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness had gone into effect on June 12th . With the active fire behavior, a complete closure of the wilderness, adjacent forest lands, and Forest Road 150 was required. -

Andrea G. Martinez
Public Affairs Officer
Gila National Forest
3005 E. Camino del Bosque
Silver City, NM 88061
575.388.8211 office
575.388.8204 fax
Twitter: @GilaForestPAO

Silver Fire Update - 85,920 acres

Silver Fire Update - 85,920 acres

SILVER, Gila NF, Silver City Dispatch, located 6 miles West of Kingston, NM (32.8888N, 107.8097W). Full suppression strategy.

85,920 acres (IR Flight), (+4,557). 20% contained (0). EC: N/R. T/D/D: 4 residence (0), 21 outbuildings (+7), 0/0/0

FM-10 (Timber).High to extreme fire behavior on the northern perimeter. Minimal fire activity south of Hwy 152. GP: Extreme. DT: Extreme.

Type 2 IMT (Reidy, IC). NM T2 IMT (Pierson, IC). 6 T1 crews (+1), 7 T2 crews (0), 3 T1 Helos (0), 2 T2 Helos (0), 1 T3 Helo (0), 14 engines (-3). Total 691 personnel (+86). CRN: None.

InciWeb. GeoMac Perimeters. Report: 6/25, 1900

Silver Fire Update - 76,062 acres

Silver Fire Update - June 24, 2013 8:00 AM

Red Flag Warning for Silver Fire –The Silver Fire grew to 76,062 acres yesterday as firefighters look for locations to engage the fire. The fire was most active in the northeast. Some areas of the fire in the south are in monitor status with resources shifting to the northwest, north and northeast parts of the fire.

Today is a transition day on the Silver Fire as Matt Reidy’s Northern Arizona Incident Management Team transfers the fire this evening to John Pierson’s New Mexico Incident Management Team. Residents of the Mimbres Valley should see more fire vehicles and some additional firefighters today.

Yesterday crews continued to mop up around Kingston and Reeds Cabin was wrapped for protection. State Forestry crews worked on fire hazard mitigation thinning on private property in Cooney subdivision to protect homes from wildfire.

Crews will continue to construct indirect fire line today in the northwest part of the fire and prepare for possible firing operations along the west. A Red Flag warning is in place again today for hot, dry and windy conditions.

Resources assigned to the fire include five 20-person hotshot crews, three 20-person crews, six helicopters, 18 engines, one dozer, nine water tenders for a total of 499 personnel.

Silver Fire updates can be found on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3414. For additional fire information, visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM, www.flickr.com/gilaforest, www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM.

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Silver Fire - 70,002 acres

For Immediate Release

Click to enlarge

Contact: Fire Information: 575 536-3385

June 23, 2013 – 8 a.m. 575-536-3285

Infrared flight measures Silver Fire growth

SAN LORENZO, NM –Evening infrared flight over the Silver fire measured Saturday’s fire growth at 13,302 acres, resulting in a total of 70,002. Night aerial photography provides the team with accurate high-quality imagery of acreage.

The fire continued to grow north reaching Animas Canyon yesterday, triggering firefighters who were working on containment lines to move to a safe location. Crews will continue constructing indirect fire line today.

According to Silver Fire meteorologist, Carl Cerniglia, “we have experienced higher winds recently and hot and dry conditions are expected over the next 6 days.”

To ensure public and firefighter safety in around the fire, Incident commander Matt Reidy said “residents and the general public can expect an increase in firefighter traffic in the area as new crews move into the area over the next several days.”

Resources assigned to the fire include five 20-person hotshot crews, three 20-person crews, five helicopters, 15 engines, one dozer, eight water tenders for a total of 463 personnel.

Silver Fire updates can be found on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3414. For additional fire information, visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM, www.flickr.com/gilaforest, www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM.


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Silver Fire Update - 56,000 acres

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Fire Information 575-536-3382

June 22, 2013 – 8:30 a.m. 575-536-3285

12,000 Acre Growth on Silver Fire

Click to enlarge

SAN LORENZO, NM. – The Silver Fire grew almost 12,000 acres yesterday from north of Noonday Canyon to Animas Canyon due to dry, windy conditions, steep slopes and low fuel moisture. The fire is more than 56,000 acres and additional growth is anticipated today as similar conditions will remain present over the area. A red flag warning is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. tonight. Crews will continue their efforts north of NM State Highway 152 in the construction of indirect fire lines, taking advantage of areas to work directly on the fire’s edge.

Motorists are reminded that the 25-mile route on NM State Highway 61 from its junction with NM 152 to U.S. Highway 180 is open. Motorists traveling along NM 61 pass through the communities of San Juan, Sherman, and the City of Rocks State Park. Forest and road closure information can be found at: http://fs.usda.gov/gila or www.nmroads.com.

Silver Fire updates can be found on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3414. For additional fire information, visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM, www.flickr.com/gilaforest, www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM.

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Silver Fire Update - 44,600 acres

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Fire Information 575-536-3382

June 21, 2013- 8:30 a.m. 575-536-3285

Red Flag Warning to Challenge Firefighters

SAN LORENZO, NM – A red flag warning is in effect for the Silver Fire area today and will continue to challenge firefighters. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the warnings are issued to warn fire managers about “critical weather and fuel moisture conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity.” Warnings are generated as a result of low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels, or a combination of these factors. A similar warning was in effect for the fire area yesterday when the fire grew to 44,600 acres. Containment remains at 20 percent.

A public meeting will be held tonight at the Round Up Lodge in San Lorenzo at 6 p.m. to provide information on the current status of the fire and to answer questions from the public.

Silver Fire resources include five helicopters, five 20-person hotshot crews, four 20-person hand crews, 15 engines, one dozer and eight water tenders for 498 total personnel.

Cooperators include the Grant and Sierra County Sheriff’s Departments, NM State Police, Las Cruces BLM District, NM State Forestry and NM Department of Transportation.

Forest and road closure information can be found at: http://fs.usda.gov/gila and www.nmroads.com.

Silver Fire updates can be found on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3414. For additional fire information visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM, www.flickr.com/gilaforest, www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM.

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Kingston Residents Return Home

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Fire Information 575-536-3382

June 20, 2013- 10 a.m. 575-536-3285

Kingston Residents Return Home


SAN LORENZO, NM – “We are pleased to announce the evacuation order for the community of Kingston is lifted at noon today. This is lifted for residents of Kingston only,” said Incident Commander Matt Reidy. 

“The residents have been very understanding and their cooperation was appreciated during this trying time period. We understand residents have been away from their homes and are very anxious to return home.” Special entry permits will be issued at the Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Department to residents only. The Kingston area will remain closed to everyone except residents until further notice.

Reentry into the community has resulted through coordination between multiple agencies including: Sierra County Sheriff’s Department, NM State Police, NM Department of Transportation, Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Department, NM State Forestry, US Forest Service.

Several forest closures remain in place. For more information see http://fs.usda.gov/gila or www.nmroads.com.

Silver Fire updates can be found on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3414. For additional fire information visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM, www.flickr.com/gilaforest, www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM.

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Silver Fire Active - now 36,500 acres

For Immediate Release 

Click to enlarge

Contact: Fire Information 575-536-3382

June 20, 2013- 8 a.m. 575-536-3285

Silver Fire Active, Grows 6,200 Acres

SAN LORENZO, NM – A persistent hot and dry weather pattern remains over the Silver Fire. Firefighters have continued to hold the 36,500 acre fire within containment lines.

The fire will exhibit the same smoke column as the past two days. The most active part of the fire is in the north, moving two miles yesterday.

New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez and key staff members will be briefed on firefighting efforts at the Silver Fire Incident Command Post this morning.

Firefighters will continue mop up, indirect line construction, aggressively engaging the fire where appropriate and gathering intelligence on both the east and west flanks.

Silver Fire resources include five helicopters, five 20-person hotshot crews, four 20-person hand crews, 15 engines, one dozer and eight water tenders for 511 personnel.

Cooperators include the Grant and Sierra County Sheriff’s Departments, NM State Police, Las Cruces BLM District, NM State Forestry and NM Department of Transportation.

Daily public meetings continue to be held each morning at the Hillsboro Community Center at 10 and tomorrow, Friday, June 21, 2013, at the Round Up Lodge in San Lorenzo at 6 p.m.

Forest closure information can be found at: http://fs.usda.gov/gila or www.nmroads.com.

Silver Fire updates can be found on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3414. For additional fire information visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM, www.flickr.com/gilaforest, www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM.




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Survey

Please participate in this short survey from the Linebery Policy Center for Natural Resource Management at New Mexico State University.  The topic is on losing the loss of use of land you owned because a species of animal or plant were found on or near your property.

Silver Fire Grows to 30,300 Acres

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Fire Information 575-536-3382 

June 19, 2013- 8:30 a.m. 575-536-3285

Silver Fire Grows to 30,300 Acres

SAN LORENZO, NM – Dry conditions and wind contributed to the growth of the Silver Fire yesterday. The fire grew 5,500 acres to reach 30,300 acres. Firefighters were able to hold containment lines and protect the community of Kingston. The fire burned actively in Railroad Canyon, Carbonate Creek and Little Bear Canyon.

Predicted weather today will have west-southwest winds to 20 mph with possible gusts up to 35 mph and single digit humidity. The temperature is predicted to be in the mid 90’s. Smoke from the fire today will be visible from miles away.

Crews will continue indirect line construction on the west flank of the fire along existing trails and mop up and patrol in the Kingston and Royal John Mine area. Team leadership says that the fire could grow another 2,000 to 6,000 acres today.

Click to enlarge

Cooperators include the Grant and Sierra County Sheriff’s Departments, NM State Police, Las Cruces BLM District, NM State Forestry and NM Department of Transportation.

Daily public meetings continue to be held each morning at the Hillsboro Community Center at 10.

Forest closure information can be found at: http://fs.usda.gov/gila or www.nmroads.com.

Silver Fire updates can be found on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3414. For additional fire information visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM, www.flickr.com/gilaforest, www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM.


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Silver Fire Activity Increases - 24,800 acres

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Fire Information 575-536-3382 

June 18, 2013- 9 a.m. 575-536-3285

Silver Fire Activity Increases

SAN LORENZO, NM – A hot and dry air mass with stronger winds and lower relative humidity has settled over the Silver Fire resulting in an increase in fire behavior. Yesterday the fire moved into Railroad Canyon on the northwest side and Carbonate and Rattlesnake Canyons on the northeast side. Fire management officials anticipated these moves and positioned personnel to take action. Hotshot crews are working on the western side of the Silver Fire north of NM Highway 152 to prepare the area for action when it is favorable to engage the fire. The 24,800 acre fire remains at five percent contained.

Incident Commander Matt Reidy said that he is “pleased with the progress that firefighters have made in structure protection around key areas such as Kingston and the Royal John Mine. We have selected areas for fireline construction along roads, topography breaks and vegetative changes between pine forests and pinyon juniper woodlands that will provide us the greatest probability of success in fire containment.”

More than 500 firefighters are working the fire. Resources include five helicopters, five 20-person hotshot crews, four 20-person hand crews, 16 engines, two dozers and 11 water tenders.

Several agencies are assisting in the management of the Silver Fire. Cooperators include the Grant and Sierra County Sheriff’s Departments, NM State Police, Las Cruces BLM District, NM State Forestry and NM Department of Transportation.

Daily public meetings continue to be held each morning at the Hillsboro Community Center at 10 a.m.

Multiple closures are in effect for the Silver Fire. For more information see http://fs.usda.gov/gila or www.nmroads.com.

Silver Fire updates can be found on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3414. For additional fire information visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM, www.flickr.com/gilaforest, www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM.

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Weather Transitions for Silver Fire - 23,200 acres

For Immediate Release                                                              
Contact:  Fire Information     575-536-3382 575-536-3285

June 17, 2013- 9:30 a.m.                                                                                                          

Weather Transitions for Silver Fire

SAN LORENZO, NM – Today the weather is transitioning from a mild moist air mass that has been over the area for several days and will be replaced with hot dry air, strong winds and low humidity today. The previous day’s favorable weather conditions allowed firefighters to make progress on construction of 3 miles of containment line.  The 23,200 acre fire remains at five percent contained.

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is scheduled to arrive Tuesday.  BAER teams are staffed by specially trained professionals and scientists who rapidly evaluate the burned area and prescribe emergency stabilization treatments.

Daily public meetings continue to be held each morning at the Hillsboro Community Center at 10 a.m.

Additional firefighters from New Mexico are replacing firefighters that are returning home for rest after battling fires in Pecos, Jemez Springs and San Lorenzo, New Mexico.  There are now 586 firefighters working the fire including five helicopters, eight 20-person hotshot crews, five 20-person hand crews, 16 engines, two dozers and 11 water tenders.

Several agencies are assisting with the Silver Fire. Cooperators include the Grant and Sierra County Sheriff’s Departments, NM State Police, Las Cruces BLM District, NM State Forestry and NM Department of Transportation.

To ensure public safety, the Aldo Leopold Wilderness has been closed east of NM State Highway 152 from the Continental Divide National ScenicTrail #74 south to Reeds Peak. NM State Highway 152 from San Lorenzo to Hillsboro remains closed. The road closure is for east and westbound traffic from 35 miles east of Bayard at mile marker 16 to 10 miles west of Hillsboro at mile marker 40. Trail #79 and the Royal John Mine Road are also closed for public safety. For more information see http://fs.usda.gov/gila  or www.nmroads.com.

Silver Fire updates can be found on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3414. For additional fire information visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM, www.flickr.com/gilaforest, www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM.

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Silver Fire - Black Range photo

Black Range Mountains’ rugged, steep terrain that recently burned during the Silver Fire, Gila National Forest.  Photo USFS.

Silver Fire update June 16, 2013, 0900 - 21,800 acres

Gila NF, Silver City Dispatch, located 6 miles West of Kingston, NM (32.8888N, 107.8097W). Full suppression strategy.

21,800 acres (+400). 5% contained (+5). EC: N/R. T/D/D: 50 residence (+10), 30 outbuildings (0), 0/0

FM-10 (Timber). Fire Behavior moderate yesterday, high RH and cloud cover minimized fire spread. Closure of Hwy 152, campground and trails, steep rugged terrain limited access, bug killed trees, extreme dry fuels. Smoke impacts to local communities is and will continue to be an issue. GP: Extreme. DT: Extreme.

Type 2 IMT (Heaton, IC). 10 T1 crews (+2), 5 T2 crews (0), 2 T1 Helos (0), 2 T2 Helos (0), 1 T3 Helo (0), 16 engines (0). Total 621 personnel (+69). CRN: Maintain 6 T1 crews and 2 T2IA crews on the Incident.

Silver Fire Receives Precipitation - 21,789 acres

For Immediate Release 

 Contact: Fire Information 575-536-3382

June 15, 2013, 10:30 a.m. 575-536-3285

SILVER FIRE RECEIVES PRECIPITATION

SAN LORENZO, N.M. – Small amounts of rain fell on the north and south side of the fire yesterday moderating fire activity. Firefighters expect the same weather patterns today which will continue to be favorable to suppression efforts. The fire is now at 21,789 acres.

The Northern Arizona Incident Management Team is hosting Congressman Steve Pearce, staff and his guests at the Silver Fire. A tour and briefing are planned at the Incident Command Post in San Lorenzo, N.M.

There are 552 firefighters working the fire which include five helicopters, eight 20-person hotshot crews, five 20-person hand crews, 16 engines, two dozers and 11 water tenders.

A public meeting will be held in Silver City today, Saturday, at 6 p.m. at the Grant County Administration Building located at 1400 US Highway 180 East. Additional meetings are held each morning at the Hillsboro Community Center at 10 a.m.

Gila National Forest officials want to remind the general public that the forest is open except in the restricted fire area.

Several agencies are assisting with the Silver Fire, they include the Grant and Sierra County Sheriff’s Departments, NM State Police, Las Cruces BLM District, NM State Forestry and NM Department of Transportation.

To ensure public safety, the Aldo Leopold Wilderness has been closed east of NM State Highway 152 from the Continental Divide National ScenicTrail #74 south to Reeds Peak. NM State Highway 152 from San Lorenzo to Hillsboro remains closed. The road closure is for east and westbound traffic from 35 miles east of Bayard at mile marker 16 to 10 miles west of Hillsboro at mile marker 40. Trail #79 and the Royal John Mine Road are also closed for public safety. For more information see http://fs.usda.gov/gila or www.nmroads.com.

Silver Fire updates can be found on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3414. For additional fire information visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM, www.flickr.com/gilaforest, www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM.

Map [PDF]

Moisture, Humidity Help Silver Fire Crews

For Immediate Release                                                            
 Contact:  Fire Information     575-536-3382 575-536-3285        

June 14, 2013,  9:30 p.m.                                                                                                          

Moisture, Humidity Help Silver Fire Crews

SAN LORENZO, NM – The Silver Fire received moisture over most of the fire today and as a result fire behavior remained  moderate.  Higher humidity helped crews battle the 21,400 acre fire.

 Firefighters continue to focus on protection of structures and construction of containment line. Late today crews conducted two small firing operations one mile north of Kingston near the Black Colt Mine reinforcing structure protection. To date firefighters have constructed approximately 20 miles of fire line with an additional 15 miles scouted.  Silver Fire resources also assisted  the Gila National Forest on a new fire near Georgetown.

There are 552 firefighters working the fire which include five helicopters, eight hotshot crews, five 20-person hand  crews, 16 engines, two dozers and 11 water tenders.

A public meeting will be held in Silver City tomorrow, Saturday, at 6 p.m. at the Grant County Administration Building located at 1400 US Highway 180 East. Additional meetings are held each morning at the Hillsboro Community Center at 10 a.m.

Gila National Forest officials want to remind the general public that the forest is open to recreation except in the restricted fire area.

Several agencies are assisting with the Silver Fire, they include the Grant and Sierra County Sheriffs Department, NM State Police, Las Cruces BLM District, and  NM State Forestry.

To ensure public safety, the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area has been closed east of NM State Highway 152 from the Continental Divide Trail #74 south to Reeds Peak. NM State Highway 152 from San Lorenzo to Hillsboro remains closed. The road closure is for east and westbound traffic from 35 miles east of Bayard at mile marker 16 to 10 miles west of Hillsboro at mile marker 40. Trail #79 and the Royal John Mine Road are also closed for public safety. For more information see http://fs.usda.gov/gila  or www.nmroads.com

Silver Fire updates can be found on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3414. For additional fire information visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM, www.flickr.com/gilaforest, www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM.

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USFS: New starts Gila National Forest

Northern Gila Fire Update 6/14/2013 

Below are new starts on the North end of the Gila National Forest. This includes the Glenwood, Quemado, and Reserve Ranger Districts. Sharma Hutchinson will be the Public Information Officer covering those Districts. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Reserve Ranger District Office at (575) 533-6231. Unless there is a significant change in fire activity, there will be no Fire Update for those fires tomorrow but will resume Sunday.

Friday, June 14, 2013 – Fire Update

Quemado Ranger District, (575) 773-4678

Pratt Fire: Detected 6/13/13, and located approximately 12 miles northwest of Luna, New Mexico. Engine resources worked on the fire into the night and today will continue mop up any interior heat. The fire was contained today at 2 acres. 15 personnel are assigned to the fire.

Reserve Ranger District, (575) 533-6231

Sign Camp Fire: Detected 6/14/2013, and located approximately 10 miles south of Reserve, New Mexico. Engine resources and Type 3 Helicopter responded to the lightning ignition this afternoon and completed line. Mop up efforts will continue tomorrow. The fire is currently 1 acre. 10 personnel are assigned to the fire.

Fire and Smoking Restrictions

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, which 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.

Silver Fire June 14 Morning News Release - 21,400 acres

Silver Fire June 14 Morning News Release

Incident: Silver Fire Wildfire
Released: 8:00 a.m.

The Silver Fire is presently 21,400 acres. Firefighters continue to focus on protection of the Kingston and Royal John Mine area as well construction of fire lines. Incident Commander Curtis Heaton said, “We have a good plan but it will take time to contain the fire. Steep rugged terrain, heavy fuel load and warm, windy weather will continue to challenge firefighters.” Citizens can learn more about how the Northern Arizona Team is managing the fire by attending scheduled public meetings.

Public meetings will be held for Mimbres and Silver City. The Mimbres meeting is today, Friday, at 6 p.m. at the Roundup Lodge on Acklin Hill Road in San Lorenzo. The Silver City meeting will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Grant County Administration Building located at 1400 US Highway 180 East in Silver City. Additional meetings are held each morning at the Hillsboro Community Center at 10 a.m.

Gila National Forest officials want to remind the general public that the forest is open to all activities except in the restricted fire area.

To ensure public safety, the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area has been closed east of NM State Highway 152 from the Continental Divide Trail #74 south to Reeds Peak. NM State Highway 152 from San Lorenzo to Hillsboro remains closed. The road closure is for east and westbound traffic from 35 miles east of Bayard at mile marker 16 to 10 miles west of Hillsboro at mile marker 40. Trail #79 and the Royal John Road are also closed for public safety. For more information see http://fs.usda.gov/gila or www.nmroads.com.

Silver Fire Public Meetings Scheduled for Mimbres and Silver City

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Fire Information 575-536-3382
June 13, 2013, 8:30 p.m. 575-536-3285

Public Meetings Scheduled for Mimbres and Silver City

SAN LORENZO, NM – Public meetings are scheduled for Mimbres and Silver City to provide current information on the Silver Fire to local communities. The Mimbres meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at the Roundup Lodge on Acklin Hill Road in San Lorenzo. The Silver City meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Grant County Administration Building located at 1400 US Highway 180 East in Silver City. Additional meetings will be held each morning at the Hillsboro Community Center at 10 a.m.

Firefighters continue to make progress on indirect fire line construction and structure protection around Kingston and the Royal John Mine area. The fire remains active with additional growth. A mandatory evacuation remains in effect for Kingston.

Firefighting resources include five helicopters, eight hotshot crews, four 20-person crews, 14 engines, 11water tenders and two dozers.

To ensure public safety, the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area has been closed east of NM State Highway 152 from the Continental Divide Trail #74 south to Reeds Peak. NM State Highway 152 from San Lorenzo to Hillsboro remains closed. The road closure is for east and westbound traffic from 35 miles east of Bayard at mile marker 16 to 10 miles west of Hillsboro at mile marker 40. Trail #79 and the Royal John Road are also closed for public safety. For more information see http://fs.usda.gov/gila or www.nmroads.com.

Silver Fire updates can be found on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3414.

For additional fire information visit the following websites:

www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM
www.flickr.com/gilaforest
www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM

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Silver Fire Behavior Moderates Overnight

For Immediate Release
June 13, 2013 – 8:00 a.m.
Contact: Fire Information 575-536-3382 575-536-3285

Fire Behavior Moderates Overnight

SILVER CITY, NM. – Fire behavior decreased overnight as a result of higher humidity and cooler temperatures from thunderstorms passing to the south of the fire. The Silver Fire has grown to 18,800 acres and is zero percent contained. Storms remain in the area today bringing gusty, erratic winds with the possibility of dry lightning further challenging firefighting efforts. As a result, expect the fire to remain active.

Winds today will be predominantly out of the southeast which will push smoke into the Mimbres Valley including the Royal John Mine area. Smoke may also be visible from Hillsboro and surrounding communities.

Public meetings are scheduled for Mimbres Valley and Silver City. The Mimbres meeting will be at 6 p.m. Friday at the Roundup Lodge on Acklin Hill Road in San Lorenzo. The Silver City meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Grant County Administration Building, located at 1400 U.S. Highway 180 East in Silver City. Additional public information meetings are being held each morning at the Hillsboro Community Center at 10 a.m.

To ensure public safety, the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area has been closed east of NM State Highway 152 from the Continental Divide Trail #74 south to Reeds Peak. NM State Highway 152 from San Lorenzo to Hillsboro remains closed. The road closure is for east and westbound traffic from 35 miles east of Bayard at mile marker 16 to 10 miles west of Hillsboro at mile marker 40. Trail #79 and the Royal John Road are also closed for public safety. For more information see http://fs.usda.gov/gila or www.nmroads.com. Although these closures are in place, the rest of the Gila National Forest remains open for recreation.

Although there are other fires burning in New Mexico and Colorado, the Northern Arizona Incident Management Team has adequate firefighting resources on hand to conduct suppression activities according to their plan.

Map (PDF)

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Silver Fire - 6:30 p.m. update: 17,000 acres

Silver Fire - 6:30 p.m. update: The Silver Fire has grown to 17,000 acres generally burning toward the southwest. The fire has approached the community of Kingston, NM and crews remain present to continue structure protection This evening they will be conducting a small burnout operation to help protect the community. Crews continue to build indirect line around other portions of the fire as well.

The Silver Fire is located on the Gila National Forest, east of Silver City, just west of the community of Kingston, NM. The fire is growing generally eastward.

An evacuation order is in place for Kingston as of June 10 at 1:40 a.m.

Highway 152 is closed through the Black Range, from San Lorenzo to Hillsboro. There is no estimate of reopening at this time.

The Royal John Road is closed to the public, but residents are being allowed access at this time.

The Silver Fire was started by lightning on June 7 approximately 7 miles southwest of Kingston, New Mexico. Smoke is visible from Highway 152 and Silver City, as well as Interstate 10 near Deming, NM.

Firefighters have been taking an active suppression approach since initial response to the Silver Fire. They are challenged by extremely rough terrain, a substantial amount of unburned fuel and beetle-killed trees, and extreme fire conditions. Firefighters are working on point protection around structures, roads and area campgrounds.

Follow the Silver Fire on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM and Twitter at www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM (@SilverFireNM).

Maps and Photos are available to view, download and print free on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/gilaforest/

Firefighters Work to Protect Kingston against Nighttime Run

For Immediate Release                                                          Contact:  Fire Information     575-536-3382

June 12, 2013 – 9:50 a.m.                                                                                    575-536-3285                                                    

Firefighters Work to Protect Kingston against Nighttime Run

Public Meeting Scheduled This Morning
                                             
SILVER CITY, NM. – Unusual nighttime easterly winds drove the Silver Fire to within one-quarter mile of the town of Kingston. Firefighters responded overnight and successfully protected the town. The town of Kingston remains under a mandatory evacuation order. An evacuation center is located in the town of Hillsboro at the Community Center on Elenora Street. This morning’s public meeting will be held at the Hillsboro Community Center at 10 a.m.

To ensure public safety the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area has been closed east of Highway 150 from the Continental Divide Trail #74 south to Reeds Peak.  Highway 152 from San Lorenzo to Hillsborough is closed. Closure is for eastbound and westbound traffic from 35 miles east of Bayard at mile marker 16 to 10 miles west of Hillsboro at mile marker 40. Trail #79 is also closed. For more information see http://fs.usda.gov/gila  or www.nmroads.com.

Northern Arizona Incident Management Team Commander Matt Reidy told firefighters early this morning that crews were to look for the most effective places to engage the fire with the greatest possibility of success. Reidy reminded the crews that this fire is especially dangerous because it has been over 100 years since there has been a fire here and the forest is extremely dense.

Today’s weather will continue to challenge firefighter efforts to contain and suppress the Silver Fire. It will be hot and dry with the possibility of dry lightning. Unstable atmospheric conditions could allow for a large column of smoke to form over the fire. While the 11,500 acre fire remains 0% contained, all divisions of the fire are beginning to build fireline where possible and specialized crews are completing structure protection.

About 350 personnel are assigned to the incident including seven hotshot crews, three 20-person crews, 10 engines, and two dozers.  Due to the large amount of fire activity in the state, competition for resources is high.

Silver Fire information is posted at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3414.

For additional fir information visit the following websites:
www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM
www.flickr.com/gilaforest
(@SilverFireNM) www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM

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Silver Fire update - 6700 acres estimated

Silver Fire June 6, 2013  approx. 9:00 a.m.

A Type 2 incident management team assumed control of the fire last night. Most of the fire's growth has been on the south side. It remained about 1.5 miles from Kingston.

An evacuation order was issued for Kingston Monday morning at 1:40 a.m., after the fire crossed a pre-established trigger point about 2.5 miles from Kingston. That order remains in place.

The latest fire size estimate is 6,700 acres.

Highway 152 is closed through the Black Range, from San Lorenzo to Hillsboro. There is no estimate of reopening at this time.

The Royal John Road is closed to the public, but residents are being allowed access at this time.

The Silver Fire was started by lightning on June 7 about 7 miles southwest of Kingston, New Mexico. Smoke is visible from Highway 152 and Silver City.

Firefighters are challenged by extremely rough terrain, a substantial amount of unburned fuel and beetle-killed trees, and extreme fire conditions. Firefighters are working on point protection around structures, roads and area campgrounds.

More than 100 people attended a community meeting in Hillsboro last night. Governor Susana Martinez attended the meeting and received a briefing from the incident commander and the Gila National Forest.

Silver Fire Update

Monday, June 10, 2013 – Fire Update 1:30 p.m.

Silver City Ranger District-
Silver Fire

This is a Full Suppression Fire. Detected 6/7/2013. 

Cause: Lightning. 

Acreage: 1526 acres. 

Containment: 0%

Fire managers continue to aggressively fight this fire. Given the rough terrain and the fact that this area has not seen fire in over 100 years managers continue to use precaution on their operational procedures. The fire spotted last night across Hwy 152 near Emory Pass but was quickly put out at that time.

Today’s operations are to continue to contain spot fires at the smallest possible size and begin building line at the heel of the fire. Firefighters will continue with structure protection in and around the town of Kingston. Arial attack will continue to play a big part in this fire. Additional resources continue to be ordered.

Reidy Northern Arizona Type II Incident Management Team will take over management of the fire tomorrow.

Mandatory Evacuation has been ordered for the town of Kingston New Mexico. Time of the Evacuation is 01:40am 6/10/13 until further notice. Evacuation center is located in the town of Hillsboro at the Community Center on Elenora Street. Fire spotted ahead of the fire forcing the evacuations to take place. Acreage: 1526

Public meeting: Public Meeting for the town of Hillsboro will be held today 6/10/13 at 7pm.at the Hillsboro Community Ctr. in the Town of Hillsboro located on Elenora Street.

CLOSURE: Hwy 152 from San Lorenzo to Hillsboro. New Mexico Highway 152 eastbound and westbound from 35 miles East of Bayard at mile marker 16 to 10 miles West of Hillsboro at mile marker 40 has been closed for the safety of the public and firefighters out on the fire. For more information: www.nmroads.com Trail #79 has also been closed.

Fire and Smoking Restrictions

The Gila National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Allowing campfires in designated developed campgrounds and picnic areas, which must be in a Forest Service provided grill or fire ring. 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.






For more information about the Silver Fire call: (575)388-8363 or go to www.inciweb.org







###

Silver Fire update - Kingston, NM evacuated

Monday, June 10, 2013 – Fire Update 8 a.m.
Silver City Ranger District-
Silver Fire 

A mandatory evacuation was ordered for Kingston, New Mexico last night at 1:40 a.m. The evacuation center is located in the town of Hillsboro at the Community Center on Elenora Street. The fire spotted more than a mile ahead of the main fire forcing the evacuations to take place. Acreage: 1,526

Fire managers continue to aggressively fight this fire. Given the extreme conditions and current weather forecast the Silver Fire has the potential to grow.

Public meeting: Public Meeting for the town of Hillsboro is being planned for today June 10, 2013 at 7p.m.at the Hillsboro Community Ctr. in the Town of Hillsboro located on Elenora Street.

Additional resources have been ordered.

CLOSURE: Hwy 152 from San Lorenzo to Hillsboro. New Mexico Highway 152 eastbound and westbound from 35 miles East of Bayard at mile marker 16 to 10 miles West of Hillsboro at mile marker 40 has been closed for the safety of the public and firefighters out on the fire. For more information: www.nmroads.com Trail #79 has also been closed.

Fire and Smoking Restrictions

The Gila National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Allowing campfires in designated developed campgrounds and picnic areas, which must be in a Forest Service provided grill or fire ring. 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.

Silver Fire update & pre-evacuation for Kingston

Sunday, June 9, 2013 – Fire Update 8 p.m.

Update Source:  David Boyd, BLM.gov

Silver City Ranger District-

Silver Fire: Pre- Evacuation has been ordered for the town of Kingston New Mexico. Fire officials have advised that the fire is approximately 5 air miles from the town of Kingston. New Mexico Highway 152 eastbound and westbound from 35 miles East of Bayard at mile marker 16 to 10 miles West of Hillsboro at mile marker 40 has been closed for the safety of the public and firefighters. Acreage: 1,000

Fire managers continue to aggressively fight this fire. Given the extreme conditions and current weather forecast the Silver Fire has the potential to grow.

Public meeting for the town of Hillsboro is being planned for tomorrow (6/10/13) more information to follow.

Additional resources have been ordered.

Other wildfires on the Gila National Forest:

The 73-acre Indian Fire is 10 miles north of the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The lightning-ignited fire did not grow today and is 25 percent contained. Eight smokejumpers continue to work the fire, which is not expected to grow further.

The 80-acre Papoose Fire is 11 miles north of the Gila Cliff Dwellings. This lightning-ignited fire also did not grow today and is not expected to grow further. It is 25 percent contained, and 12 smokejumpers continue to mop-up.

CLOSURE: Hwy 152 from San Lorenzo to Hillsboro. Trail #79 has also been closed. For more information: www.nmroads.com

Fire and Smoking Restrictions
The Gila National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Allowing campfires in designated developed campgrounds and picnic areas, which must be in a Forest Service provided grill or fire ring. 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.

For more information about the Silver Fire call: (575)388-8363 or go to www.inciweb.org



--

Silver Fire information

Silver Fire Information
Silver City Ranger District- USDA Forest Service

This is a full suppression fire.

Detected 6/7/2013. Cause: Lightning. Located approximately 2 miles southeast of Hwy 152 and approximately 7 miles south of Kingston, New Mexico. The fire is approximately 800 Acres burning in mixed conifer and shrub oak.

At this time, highway 152 has been closed.  Fire was active overnight and due to the steep terrain fire fighters have not been able to gain access to the fire safely. The perimeter of the fire has been lined by air tankers using fire retardant but continues to be active due to dry conditions. 120 personnel, 3 Air Tankers, 2 Heavy Helicopters, and 11 Engines are assigned to the fire.

Today’s operations are to establish an anchor point to get fire fighters to the fire safely. Managers will continue to use air support. Repellers will be working today to cut out a heli-spot big enough to fly in Hotshots.

CLOSURE: An official order will be issued. Campers are advised that the following campgrounds will be closed due to fire danger: Iron Creek Campground, Upper Gallines, Lower Gallines, Railroad Campground, Wrights Cabin, and Emory pass lookout. Trial #79 will also be closed.

Road Conditions: New Mexico 152 eastbound and westbound from 35 miles East of Bayard at mile marker 16 to 10 miles West of Hillsboro at mile marker 40

Fire and Smoking Restrictions

The Gila National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Allowing campfires in designated developed campgrounds and picnic areas, which must be in a Forest Service provided grill or fire ring. 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.

For more information about the Silver Fire call: (575)388-8363 or go to www.inciweb.org

Wildfires on the Gila National Forest

Silver City, NM; June 8, 2013 - Widespread thunderstorms passed through the Gila National Forest yesterday afternoon with multiple lightning strikes reported on the forest. A chance of new starts today is likely.

Wildfires on the Gila National Forest: 

Indian Fire: 
Detected: 6/7/2013
Location: 10 miles north of the Gila Cliff Dwellings
Size: 80 acres
Resources: Heavy Air tankers, Smoke jumpers, 2 hotshot crews, 1 type 2 hand crew

Silver Fire:
Detected: 6/7/2013
Location: 7 miles southwest of Kingston, NM
Size: 2 acres
Resources: Heavy air tankers, a type 3 incident commander, 1 Hotshot crew, 1 type 2 hand crew, and district personnel

Papoose Fire:
Detected: 6/7/2013
Location: 11 miles north of the Gila Cliff Dwellings
Size: 80 acres
Resources: Heavy air tankers and smoke jumpers

Sawmill and Kerr Canyon Fires: Contact Sharma Hutchinson at 575-773-8262.


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, which 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.

For additional information contact: 575-388-8262

Steve Pearce to have wolf video crew at Bucky's Birthday Bash

Congressman Pearce is going to attend Buckys Birthday Bash at the Glenwood Community Park, Glenwood, NM 6:00 p.m. on June 15, 2013  He is very concerned about the livestock destruction and emotional toll that the reintroduction of the Mexican Wolf is having on the residents of Catron and Grant counties. Mr. Pearce would like to get your help in documenting your stories of wolf encounters, and the damage they have been doing to your lives. We also want to place emphasis on the threat to human safety.

The congressman will have a video crew in Glenwood on June 15 starting at 9:00 am. The filming location will be the Blue Front Café. Even the sign on the door will say closed, Bucky will have the building open that day for filming.

If you have pictures or other digital comments you want to share we will have a laptop there that we can load these files on.

Once this information is compiled, it will be uploaded to his website.

With your help, we can continue to rebut misinformation put out to the public.

Please try to schedule time to come and help us with this project and also plan on attending Buckys Birthday Bash. I am sure that you are well aware that it is a fundraiser to fight the forest service travel management plan closures.

If you will plan on contributing your experiences, please email me so we can try to set up some sort of schedule. The video crew will be there all day.

If you have any questions please email me or call the numbers below.

Thank you in advance for your help,

Fred Huff
(575) 524-7145 - H
(575) 635-5859 - C
fhuff@zianet.com

CLICK TO ENLARGE

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

Casting call

CASTING CALL For the show "Longmire."  200 Hispanic cowboy types for a Hispanic Rodeo scene this Friday June 7th. June 11th and June 14th. if you are interested and available please send a photo and phone number to robertbaxtercasting@gmail.com 

Catwalk’s Recent Rockfall Requires Changes

Glenwood, NM; June 4, 2013—Glenwood District Ranger Pat Morrison has announced that a rockfall that occurred on June 2, 2013, has damaged the rock stairs on the primitive trail and the cliff above the stairs remains unstable. For safety purposes, the Catwalk National Recreation Area is temporarily closed from the head of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) stairs (approximately ¼ mile from the parking lot) to the end of the trail. This includes the suspended portion of the trail and all of the trail in the upper canyon.

“Although this recent rockfall requires the temporary closure of the Catwalk, the Whitewater Picnic Area remains open for day-use. The ¼ mile portion of the trail leading from the picnic area to the closure gate can still be enjoyed for a brief walk and view of the canyon area, and its many trees and vegetation,” says Ranger Morrison.

Ranger Morrison adds, “I appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding of this recent event.  The unstable cliff above the trail presents a serious hazard for visitors and until the rockfall can be removed and the cliff evaluated for further rockfall potential, the trail will remain closed.”

The accessible trail remains closed pending completion of the safety inspection and maintenance contract for the rock face area above the trail. The Glenwood Ranger District is working with Catron County and the local community to develop alternatives to manage the Catwalk during the monsoon season.

Please contact the Glenwood District office, (575) 539-2481, for updated information prior to visiting the area. Further  information may also be obtained from the forest website:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila

Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place for the Gila National Forest!

Andrea G. Martinez
Public Affairs Officer
Gila National Forest
3005 E. Camino del Bosque
Silver City, NM  88061
  575.388.8211 office
 575.388.8204 fax
Twitter:  @GilaForestPAO