EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — For the second straight day, fire officials have downgraded the size of the Iron Fire that has been burning in the Gila Wilderness north of Silver City since Sunday, May 4.
The fire is now estimated to be 637 acres and 45 percent contained, fire officials said on Friday morning, May 9.
It was the second straight day that fire officials have reduced the estimate on the size of the fire as they have gotten a better idea of the area it is burning. It was initially estimated to be about 900 acres as of Sunday night.
The fire is burning in the 2012 Whitewater Baldy burn scar, about 40 miles east of Glenwood, New Mexico.
Nearly 190 firefighters remain on the scene, fire officials said.
Officials say the fire was caused by lightning.
Firefighters initiated a “ground-based GPS perimeter walk” on Thursday to improve the accuracy of fire mapping.
“While the effort is still underway, the northern perimeter has been verified and combined with data from a previous infrared (IR) flight. Based on current assessments, the Iron Fire is estimated at approximately 637 acres. Crews will continue working to complete ground perimeter mapping to finalize the acreage,” fire officials said.
Fire officials said that “suppression objectives” have been met and accomplished in the Snow Lake and Willow Creek areas.
Fire officials say they are closely monitoring a “forecasted wind event” expected for early next week.
“Due to the presence of numerous snags (standing dead trees) in the fire area, firefighters will be strategically removed from the fireline ahead of the wind event to ensure their safety. Resources remaining on the incident will be available to assist with any new fire starts in the area,” fire officials said.
A drone is currently supporting firefighting efforts by providing infrared imagery to assist fire managers in detecting remaining heat sources, particularly along the perimeter where they may pose a threat to containment lines.
The drone pilot is coordinating closely with other air operations to ensure safety and avoid conflicts with ongoing helicopter missions to fight the fire, fire officials said.
The Snow Lake area, including Dipping Vat Campground, Snow Lake Boat Launch, and the Snow Lake Trailhead, are now open to the public. Visitors are advised that firefighting personnel and equipment are still active in the area.
Motorists are advised to use caution when driving on forest roads — reduce speed, stay alert and use headlights to improve visibility.
For hikers on the Continental Divide Trail, hikers are asked to avoid the fire area and consider using alternate routes when possible.
A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the fire area. Unauthorized drone use poses a serious risk to aerial firefighting efforts, fire officials said.
Smoke presence has been minimal in recent days. However, as temperatures rise, there is potential for increased fire activity and smoke production. Smoke may be visible from Mogollon, Willow Creek, Reserve, CP Anderson, and Snow Lake, fire officials said.
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