Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

The National Weather Service in El Paso has issued a Red Flag Warning through tomorrow for strong winds and low relative humidities.  A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring.  A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.  Any fires that develop will likely spread rabidly.  Outdoor burning is not recommended.  The Red Flag Warning is in effect for all of Grant, Luna, and Hidalgo Counties.

The Baca Fire burning 6 miles northeast of Quemado Lake has been upgraded to 2,200 acres after aerial recon took place yesterday afternoon.  Fire personnel will resume firing and holding operations along FR 4187 to FR 13D and along FR 4187G to help secure control lines and continue to monitor fire behavior and weather.  Command will transition to the Gila/Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management team on Friday, May 26th at 0700.

The Kerr Fire is reported at 11,600 acres and 64% contained.  Resources will continue hand ignitions along FR 94 from FR4065O to FR4035N.  Fire Managers intend on completing firing operations by Saturday and transitioning to a Type 4 organization.

Deming Public Schools Superintendent Dan Lere’s retirement will begin on May 31st, a month earlier than previously announced.  Lere stated at Thursday’s School Board Meeting that the decision to hand over the office to his successor, Arsenio Romero, was an amicable decision made to assure a timely and smooth transition.  The retirements of two other senior administrators were also announced: Ted Burr, Executive Director of Finance; and Nancy Patterson, Executive Director of Human Resources.

In legislative action from the Special Legislative Session that began yesterday, The House passed House Bills 1 and 2.  House Bill 1 is a general budget bill that restores all vetoed funding from the first session, and passed on a bipartisan 46-20 vote.  House Bill 2 is a revenue package that raises recurring revenue through the closure of tax loopholes and passed on a party-line 37-29 vote.