USFS Forest Plan Revision Meetings

Gila National Forest to hold 

Community Conversations on Forest Plan Revision

 SILVER CITY, N.M.; Feb. 10, 2015 – The Gila National Forest is in the early stages of Forest Plan Revision and invites the public to participate in upcoming Community Conversations about the process. The Forest Plan is an important document that guides all of our management actions. The end result of the revision process will be a plan that describes the strategic direction for management of forest resources for the next 10 to 15 years.

Kelly Russell, Gila National Forest Supervisor says, “We invite you to work with us to develop a vision for a new plan that promotes a healthy, diverse, and productive forest. There will be many opportunities for interested individuals to participate in this endeavor including attending any of the community forums.” Russell continues, “We want to hear what is important to you about the Gila National Forest and learn how you would like to be involved in the revision process. We hope you will join us.”

Community Conversations will occur at the following locations:

RANGER DISTRICT (RD)	LOCATION	DATE/TIME
Quemado RD	Quemado Consolidated School	March 9 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Reserve RD	Fair Building, Catron County Fairgrounds	March 10 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Glenwood RD	Glenwood Community Center	March 10 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Silver City RD	Grant County Conference Center	March 11 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Wilderness RD	Little Toad Creek Inn (near Lake Roberts)	March 12 9:00 a.m.-12.00 p.m.
Black Range RD	Sierra County Fairgrounds	March 12 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

For more information, see http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gila/home/?cid=STELPRD3828671 email gilaplan@fs.fed.us or call 575-388-8201.

               -USFS-

Punky Moore
Public Affairs Officer
Forest Service
Gila National Forest

p: 575-388-8211
c: 530-640-1168
sjmoore@fs.fed.us

3005 E. Camino del Bosque
Silver City, NM 86001
www.fs.fed.us

Lightning Storm Keeps Firefighters Active

SILVER CITY, NM, June 18, 2014, 2:00 p.m.-  Several thunderstorms passed through southwest New Mexico yesterday afternoon, peppering the Gila area with 1,700 to 2,000 lightning strikes and leaving only traces of rain.  Dispatchers and fire personnel are busy with numerous fire reports, most of which involve only a single burning snag and less than a quarter acre.  Fire starts are located across the Gila National Forest and currently total 14.  Engine crews, hotshot crews, smokejumpers, helicopter crews and air tankers have been responding to all smoke reports.  The Star Fire is the largest at approximately 5 acres and is located 6 miles south of Wall Lake in the Gila Wilderness.  The fire is burning in Ponderosa pine and is staffed with 3 smokejumpers, a hotshot crew, a helitack crew and three air tankers.  The storms did not produce significant rain and most remote weather stations across the forest reported only trace amounts of moisture.

While the Silver City area enjoyed a brief rain shower yesterday, fire officials remain concerned about the high fire potential that continues at all elevations.  “We encourage all forest visitors to continue fire safe practices, adhering to current fire restrictions which limit campfires to developed campgrounds with agency-provided metal rings and fully extinguishing their fires,”  states Gabe Holguin, Fire Staff, “We need to keep the number of human-ignited fires to a minimum.” Fireworks of any kind are never permitted on Federal Public lands.

In addition to highly trained local wildfire fire personnel, the Gila National Forest is hosting wildland firefighters from the Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest regions who are assisting in suppression efforts.  Gila fire personnel will travel to these regions in the late summer to return support for their fire efforts.

Please contact the Gila National Forest at 575-388-8201 for any other information.

-USFS-

Gila NF Travel Management Decision

Travel management decision released

SILVER CITY, NM; June 10, 2014 – The Gila National Forest has completed its Travel Management Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Forest Supervisor Kelly Russell has signed the Record of Decision selecting Alternative G. 

With the publication of the legal notice in the forest’s newspapers of record, the start of a 45-day appeal period and resolution will begin.

Alternative G was selected after thorough analysis by forest specialists and evaluation of over 2,000 comments received during the formal public comment period from individuals, organizations, and elected officials.

 “I appreciate the public’s patience in this final decision on the designation of open roads, trails, and areas for motorized vehicle use. Implementation of the decision is expected in early 2015 once the appeal period has passed, and the official Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), which displays the open road system, is available free to the public,” Russell said.

Russell adds that the decision is a change in use of the forest as cross-country travel will no longer be allowed. With any major change, time, tolerance, and education are needed as the process moves forward.

Highlights of the decision:

·         Approximately 96 percent of non-wilderness lands will be within two miles of an open road, about 99 percent within three miles.

• The decision is a designated system of roads, trails, and other areas for motorized vehicle use.

• The decision keeps open 3,334 miles of road, increases motorized trail opportunities from 16 to 179 miles and maintains a 3-acre area for motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle use. The 908 miles of roads closed are generally ½ to 1 mile in length. All closed roads will be accessible for emergency response.

• 3.3 million acres of forest remain open to all users; users can go anywhere on the forest if on foot, horseback, or canoe. Only the use of motorized travel is restricted to the designated open travel routes.

·         Hunters are allowed to drive up to 300 feet from either side of roads designated with a corridor to retrieve their big game.

Page 2 – Travel Management Decision Released

·         Camping continues with 1,316 miles of designated motorized dispersed camping corridors and 36 areas.

• Fuelwood cutters can use their motorized vehicle within designated cutting areas to gather their fuelwood.

Background: On July 2004, the Forest Service published proposed travel management regulations in the Federal Register requiring each National Forest or Ranger District in the nation to designate roads, trails, and areas open to motor vehicles. The Gila National Forest began its analysis in 2006 and conducted numerous public meetings and open houses to solicit information from the public.

The forest will continue to provide information on the Travel Management decision via news releases, website, social media, and personal contacts. Forest managers are available to provide information and answer questions.

-USFS-

Gila National Forest Lifts Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Gila National Forest Lifts Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

July 8, 2013- Silver City, NM-  With the onset of  summer rains, the Gila National Forest will be lifting Stage 1 Fire Restrictions tomorrow morning, July 9th, at 6:00 A.M. MDT, allowing forest visitors to enjoy campfires again in undeveloped areas across the Forest.

 “The Forest experienced minimal human-caused fires this fire season,” states Kelly Russell, Gila National Forest Supervisor, “visitors were diligent in following the restrictions and we appreciate their efforts.”  Fewer human-caused fires allowed Forest and Fire personnel to focus on the Silver Fire and other lightning-strike fires, of which there were many.

Forest visitors are still encouraged to practice campfire and smoking safety by using their ashtrays and ensuring campfires are cold to the touch before leaving their camp or retiring for the night.  Always have a shovel and water available and place their fire away from low-hanging branches and dry grasses.

For further information on fire safety practices and reducing fire risk in the Home Ignition Zone, please contact Ellen Brown at 575-388-8262, or the Gila National Forest at 575-388-8201.

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

Donation locations for Granite Mountain Hotshots (Yarnell Firefighters)

Nineteen firefighters of the Granite Mountain Hotshots lost their lives on Sunday, June 30, 2013 battling the Yarnell Hill Fire in and near Yarnell, Arizona. Glenwood Gazette offers heartfelt condolences to their family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, July 9, 2013 from 1100-1300 in Prescott Valley.

How you can help... consider a donation to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, YarnellFallenFireFighters, or 100 Club of Arizona. (these donation sites were posted on the Southwest Coordination Center Wildfire Information website).

---

Note that the fire info website is down right now; fire info for Silver Fire in NM is not available.  However, that fire seems to be slowing down and unless things change with it, we won't be providing further updates.

Silver Fire update - 137,326 acres estimated

Estimated Acres: 137,326 

Containment: 59%

Yesterday’s Summary: Although some areas of the fire received rainfall, heavy fuels are not responding much to the small amounts of rainfall as some pockets of timber burned intensely. Overall, low to moderate fire intensity was observed. Direct line was constructed on the northwest corner of the fire in the Cooney Canyon area. Crews continued chipping along Forest Road 150 and Highway 152. Helicopters dropped water on the spot fires on the west side of the fire. Direct and indirect line was constructed in Hefner Canyon. Fire crews safely monitored the west, east and south ends of the fire perimeter.

Today’s Actions: Crews will continue full suppression strategies, constructing direct and indirect line on the west and northwest sides of the fire. Chipping and rehab of firelines will proceed in the south and western part of the fire. The eastern and southern perimeter will be monitored by air.

The New Mexico Type II Incident Management Team is preparing to transition the management of the fire to a smaller Type III team on Friday morning. The Type III Team will continue suppression efforts to reach further containment on this fire.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the upper 70’s and 80’s. Relative Humidity continues in the mid 30’s. Today’s forecast remains partly cloudy with scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

Open Areas: New Mexico State Highway 152 and New Mexico State Highway 35 into San Lorenzo and the Mimbres Valley remain open. Particularly on Highway 152 expect heavy traffic and watch for livestock, wildlife, rocks, fallen trees and debris. The public is reminded that Forest Service campgrounds on Highway 152 are still closed. Emory Pass Vista remains open. 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.

Closures: There is an emergency closure on the Gila National Forest for the fire area. For more information about the fire closure go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila. For information on any road closures, 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 update - 137,326 acres

Estimated Acres: 137,326 

Containment: 54%

Yesterday’s Summary: Fire activity remains moderate due to thunderstorm activity. Most of the fire activity was to the northwest and fire growth remains slow. There was only slight heat detected on the west side. No fire was observed to the east and south. Crews continued chipping operations along Highway 152, around Kingston and in the Cooney area.

Today’s Update: Crews will construct and prep line from Rabb Park southwest to Rosencran cabin. Resources will also continue to hold and mopup the spot fire near Rabb Park. Fire crews will continue to monitor the west, east and south perimeter of the fire. Direct line will be constructed on the northwest corner of the fire in the Cooney Canyon area as conditions allow and can be done safely. Crews will also continue to prep Forest Road 150.

While things are winding down, crews continue to mop up and rehab suppression lines. Within the next few days, the demobilization of resources will begin. The BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) Team will continue to assess the area.

Smoke: 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.

Weather: There will be a 50% chance of thunderstorms today. Daytime relative humidity will remain at 30 to 40% this week and temperatures will range from upper 70’s to lower 80’s.

Open Areas: Highway 152 is now completely open to the public including San Lorenzo to Kingston. Safety is still a concern; watch for livestock, wildlife, rocks, fallen trees and debris on the Highway. Silver City, Hillsboro, and Winston remain 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 www.firerestrictions.us.

Closures: For more information about any fire closures go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila. For information on road closures, 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 update - 133,625 acres

Estimated Acres: 133,625
Containment:   50%

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF THE GRANITE MOUNTAIN HOTSHOTS

Yesterday’s Summary:  Fire activity was moderate. Precipitation was primarily on the northern aspect of the fire, and lightly on the south. The southwest side of the fire has been contained to the Raab Park Trail. In addition to the southwest perimeter, minimal activity remains on the east and south. Fire growth continues to the north, including the Reed’s Peak vicinity.

Today’s Update:   Crews will be monitoring the perimeter of the fire. The Cooney structure protection is in its final stage, with only minimal work remaining. Today fuels are expected to carry slower than previous days. Slower fuel carrying will possibly bring creeping and smoldering in the morning; transitioning into low to moderate surface fire throughout the day.

A total of 83 Gila Trout were successfully relocated to the Mora Fish Hatchery by the Gila National Forest and cooperators.

Anyone seeking information regarding the Yarnell Fire please contact: Mike Reichling at the AZ State Forestry Division (928-427-3347) or Carrie Dennett (602-399-3078).

Smoke: Much like yesterday, 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: A high pressure system is moving south over the fire. With this system brings a greater chance of storms, anticipating much needed precipitation. Strong erratic winds are possible, with wind shifts out of the southwest. The temperature today is expected to be lower than the last few days; most likely staying around the mid 70 to 80 degree range.

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

Roads:  NM Highway 152 is open as of 10:00 a.m. July 1, 2013 from Kingston to San Lorenzo.  Although NM Highway 152 is open, there is a forest closure still in effect for some areas. Safety is still a concern, watch for domestic livestock, wildlife, rocks, fallen trees and debris. For additional information go to www.nmroads.com.
 www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM        www.flickr.com/gilaforest            www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM

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.

Click to enlarge

# # #

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

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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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