Editor’s note: Video is from a special report on KTSM detailing efforts to rebuild after fires and floods last summer in the Ruidoso area.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Iron Fire, burning in the Gila Wilderness north of Silver City, “did not show significant growth” on Monday, May 5, a spokesperson for the Gila National Forest said.
The fire, located in the Whitewater Baldy burn scar, was discovered Sunday, May 4 and grew to 901 acres. The U.S. Forest Service is still estimating the fire’s size to be at 901 acres as of about 5:30 p.m. on Monday.
The fire is still 0 percent contained, however, the spokesperson said.
Cloudy skies, cool temperatures and even a bit of snow early in the morning helped firefighting efforts, the spokesperson said in a statement sent out to media.
“These conditions helped calm fire behavior, allowing firefighters to access the fire and assess opportunities to contain it,” the spokesperson wrote.
On Monday, crews began chipping branches and took other measures to improve containment in the wilderness area.
A temporary flight restriction is in place around the fire area.
The Snow Lake boat launch, trailhead, and Dipping Vat Campground have been evacuated. Continental Divide Trail hikers, following the Middle Fork Gila River, are advised to exit the river corridor at Aeroplane Mesa Trail to avoid the closed Snow Lake area and possible fire activity.
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