EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Firefighters reported significant progress in their battle against the Daisy Fire burning in the Gila National Forest.
The incident management team reported that the fire is at 46 acres and is now at 80 percent containment as of Monday morning, Aug. 11.
The fire is burning about 16 miles east of Glenwood, New Mexico within the Gila Wilderness area. Glenwood is near the famous Catwalk National Recreation Trail.
The fire started on Aug. 1 and was determined to be lightning caused.
Over the weekend, fire officials estimated the fire to be at 50 acres, burning in rugged, challenging terrain, with 0 percent containment.
The incident command team reported that it had made enough progress to transfer command of the fire to a team from the Gila National Forest as of Monday morning.
Over the weekend, the Gila Interagency Hotshot Crew and the Mimbres New Mexico State Forestry Crew achieved their objectives of full suppression, fire officials said.
With handline construction completed, firefighters hiked out ahead of incoming storms on Saturday afternoon, officials said.
On Sunday, firefighters flew into the fire area and confirmed that the fire remained within containment lines despite changing weather conditions in the area.
Minimal smoke was observed well within the fire’s interior. Firefighters completed suppression repair work, restoring indirect handline along trails and roads near the community of Willow Creek. Light rain fell across the fire area Sunday afternoon from passing storms, which also helped.
The Mimbres New Mexico State Forestry Crew was released Sunday afternoon to return home to reset and prepare for their next assignment.
The Gila Hotshots remained in the area to support initial attack operations should new fires occur and were released Monday morning prior to the transition to a new command team in charge of the Daisy Fire.
Visitors should be aware that recently burned areas may contain hazards that can cause injury.
Trails, roads, and vegetation may be damaged or unstable, so extra caution and awareness of surroundings are essential when visiting in these areas.
You can click here for the most up-to-date conditions before visiting the Gila National Forest.
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