EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — For the second straight day, the Iron Fire, burning in the Gila Wilderness north of Silver City, remains at 901 acres, fire officials said.
A new incident command team took over managing the fire on Tuesday morning, May 6.
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 two days now.
There are 156 firefighters battling to contain the blaze, which remains at 0 percent containment.
Cooler weather and increased moisture helped moderate the fire’s activity, according to the latest update.
The fire is burning grass, timber and dead vegetation within the 2012 Whitewater Baldy fire burn scar.
“Although recent moisture has aided suppression efforts, the fire remains active. Once the storm system passes, dry fuels throughout the area may contribute to increased fire behavior,” fire officials said.
Evacuations have been ordered in the Snow Lake area and include Dipping Vat Campground, Snow Lake boat launch, and Snow Lake trailhead.
A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire. Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting aircraft, fire officials said.
Smoke may be visible from Mogollon, Willow Creek, Reserve, CP Anderson and Snow Lake.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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