The Type 3 Incident Management Team transitioned command of the Silver Fire to the Wilderness Ranger District this morning. That 138, 546 acre fire was started by lightning on June 7th, and is now 85% contained. The Type 4 Team will continue rehabilitation and monitoring, Flash flooding remains a concern for crews working on and around the fire scar.
Phase I for the Silver Fire Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) has begun. Closure gates and warning signs are in the process of being installed in various areas to warn the public of hazards when entering burned areas, and also of the possibility of flooding in those areas. Crews are removing debris at culvert locations, and drainage features are being installed for the roadways. Seeding and mulching of the burned area will begin soon in severely burned areas.
Rainfall in the vicinity has carried ash and sediments to outlying communities. Anyone affected by these flows can contact the Grant County Emergency Services Office at 574-0065, the Grant County Planning Office at 574-0007, or the Sierra County Emergency Services at 743-0451.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation may continue to temporarily close NM 152 when flood waters exist. When traveling in this area, they ask drivers to be cautious of the threat of flash flooding, debris, or rocks and boulders on the road. NM 159 (Bursum Road) remains closed due to flooding. Traffic notifications will continue t o be posted on www.nmroads.com.
