SILVER CITY, N.M. (KTSM) — The fire burning northwest of Silver City, N.M., is now 22 percent contained at 3060 acres, the Gila National Forest said on Wednesday, July 23, in a news release.
Fire officials said the fire started on July 9, and it was caused by lightning.
On Tuesday, July 22, the fire area received over an inch of rain, prompting firefighters to disengage in the afternoon due to hazardous conditions, including lightning and thunderstorms. However, crews were able to make progress in the morning, continuing to secure Goose Lake Trail #238 and Forest Road 282, according to fire officials.
Fire officials said reconnaissance flight was conducted over the western perimeter, allowing fire managers to assess conditions and increase containment to 22 percent.
On Wednesday, overhead personnel will evaluate the fire perimeter following Tuesday’s significant rainfall to determine the most effective strategy for applying direct and indirect tactics based on current fire behavior and activity.
Crews will also continue preparing the eastern control line as a contingency, with warmer and drier conditions expected to return later this week and likely leading to increased fire activity.
“Due to heavy precipitation over the fire, we are assessing the most effective and safe strategy for firefighters to continue adding containment,” Incident Commander Lino Baca, Albuquerque Zone Type 3 Team, said.
A temporary flight restriction (TRF) went into effect on July 20.
Visit here for fire area closures along the 282 and 876 Forest Service roads.
Fire officials said visitors to the Gila Wilderness should be aware that the fire is burning near Goose Lake Trail #238, Monument Ridge Trail #254, and Packsaddle Trail #732.
In addition, smoke may be more visible due to increased fire activity. For more info, visit here.
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