EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The cause of the Iron Fire that’s currently burning in the Gila Wilderness, which is north of Silver City, has been ruled to be lightning, fire officials said on Wednesday, May 7.
The Iron Fire is still at 901 acres with five percent containment, and 168 personnel are handling the fire.
The fire began on Sunday, May 4 and windy conditions that day quickly helped it spread to its current size. The fire has remained at 901 acres for three days now.
Fire officials say they completed construction of a helispot on Tuesday, May 6, which creates helicopter access to support aerial delivery of supplies.
“The helispot will be used to fly in gear, food, water, and other supplies, ensuring firefighters have the resources needed to safely and effectively continue suppression operations in this remote area,” fire officials said.
Five hotshot crews assigned to the fire will continue with direct fireline construction, and four of the five crews will camp near the fireline to maintain direct engagement with the fire, fire officials said.
“Structure protection resources remain active around Snow Lake and Willow Creek, where a group of six engines has completed indirect line and chipping operations. These engines will continue to assess structures in Snow Lake area while building a contingency plan should the direct suppression strategy not be successful.
With recent thunderstorms moving through the area and very dry vegetation, two engines and one hotshot crew will be ready to assist with initial attack should a new fire be detected nearby. Current resources assigned to the fire include five hotshot crews, one type one helicopter, two type 3 helicopters, six engines, and miscellaneous overhead assigned,” fire officials said.
The public is asked to avoid the fire area for their safety, and the Snow Lake area, including Dripping Vat Campground, Snow Lake Boat Launch, and Snow Lake Trailhead is temporarily closed for public safety.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire, and smoke may be visible from Mogollon, Willow Creek, Reserve, CP Anderson and Snow Lake.
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