As of Sunday, the Silver Fire was 80% contained at 138,546 acres. Thanks in a huge part to the brave firefighters building line and the possible beginning of our summer monsoons, there has been minimal increase on the fire since last Friday. Fire personnel has dropped to under one hundred, and those who remain are focusing on rehabilitation of lines and removing snags from affected roads and trails.
Although lightning-strikes have created at least two-dozen small fires, Gila National Forest Supervisor Kelly Russell states “the Forest experienced minimal human-caused fires this fire season,” and that “visitors were diligent in following the restrictions.” Thanks to this effort, and the much needed rain that is finally falling in Grant County, the National Forest Office will be lifting Stage One Fire Restrictions at 6 am tomorrow, July 9th.
“Forest visitors are still encouraged to practice campfire and smoking safety by using their ashtrays and ensuring campfires are cold to the touch before leaving their camp or retiring for the night. Always have a shovel and water available and place their fire away from low-hanging branches and dry grasses.”
To learn other important fire-safety practices, contact the Gila National Forest at 388-8201.
