Fire Report 061518
Our goal here at Silver City Radio is to keep you, our listeners, up to date on the latest forest fire news.
The Willow Fire that started on June 10th at 2:10 P.M, is currently burning on Willow Mountain and the headwaters of Willow Creek in the Whitewater-Baldy Fire scar of 2012 in heavy dead and down fuels. The majority of the fire perimeter is in the Gila Wilderness, and is covering 574 acres, using a total of 56 personnel, and is 0% contained. The fire received light precipitation. Crews continued to monitor the fire, assess structures for an updated structure plan for Willow Creek, and prep around Bearwallow Lookout. Due to the moderation of fire activity, the Willow Fire will transfer command Saturday, morning to a Type 4 organization. This should be the final update on the Willow Fire unless significant fire activity occurs.
Regarding the Buzzard Fire that started on May 22nd, located 10 miles NE of Reserve in the Gila National Forest. According to the last report, the fire has covered 45,151 acres, is utilizing 362 personnel and has a containment of 74%. Trace amounts of rain and higher relative humidity caused the fire activity to lessen yesterday. With control line construction completed and minimal fire activity on the southwest side, fire suppression repair and rehabilitation are beginning. Firefighters are monitoring the fire’s growth and assessing suppression repair needs. Seeding has been completed on control lines on the eastern portion and crews continue to work with an excavator to repair and rehabilitate control lines. The Burned Area Emergency Response Team will begin assessments of the fire area to recommend emergency treatments for erosion control. Today, crews will dismantle control line equipment such as water pumps and hose lays and have the equipment hauled back to fire camp. They will continue to mop up, patrol and secure lines in the Piney Tank area and dozer lines along FR 4166E and FR 4166F.
A Flash Flood Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for the San Francisco River Valley and Southwest Mountains. Flash Flood Watch remains in effect from late tonight through Saturday afternoon. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Burned areas from current or recent fires will be especially susceptible to flash flooding. Be cautious around rising water in arroyos and small streams. Stay out of flooded low water crossings. While river flooding is not expected, rapid rises in streams and arroyos is likely.
Remember, smoke from fire rises up and away during the daytime, but in the evening smoke can pool back down in canyons, drainages, and basins. For information on air quality and protecting your health, and to find guidance on distances and visibility, please visit nmtracking.org/fire.
For more on these fires, check out nmfireinfo.com.
