EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Iron Fire’s estimated size has been reduced to around 800 acres on Thursday, May 8, with 10 percent containment after an infrared flight was conducted to map the fire’s perimeter, according to fire officials.
Close to 200 personnel are at the fire, and the flight also confirmed that heat remains throughout the fire area, according to fire officials.
The fire began on Sunday, May 4, and windy conditions that day quickly helped it spread to its current size. The fire was initially at 901 acres, but since the infrared flight, the size of the fire was reduced to 822 acres.
Fire crews have transitioned to mopping up hot spots along the fireline to reduce the potential for further spread and will continue to reinforce and improve the containment line, fire officials said.
“Engines remain engaged in structure assessment operations around the Willow Creek area and are finalizing a contingency plan should conditions change. With temperatures forecasted to rise in the coming days, fire behavior may increase, potentially challenging containment efforts and requiring continued vigilance from crews on the ground,” 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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