According to reports, the Silver Fire grew roughly another 5,000 acres yesterday, reaching over 81,000 acres overnight. The fire remains 20% contained, and management is now in the hands of John Pierson’s New Mexico Type 2 Incident Management Team. Today, 605 personnel work the rugged terrain in an effort to further contain the Silver Fire.
Crews continue to construct fire line in the northwest portion of the fire, as well as building indirect line along the west flank of the fire off McKnight Road as conditions permit. Scouting continues along both east and west flanks for appropriate places to build indirect fire line. According to the fire behavior analyst working with Pierson’s Team, “the fuels in the fire area are critically dry and the potential for ignition is 100%.”
Although the fire has spread to approximately 5 miles west of Hermosa and 19 miles southwest of Winston, no evacuations have been ordered. Smoke is expected to most heavily impact areas to the east of the Silver Fire, including Kingston, Hillsboro, and as far as Truth or Consequences. Winds are expected to decrease later this afternoon. Highway 152 remains closed from Kingston to San Lorenzo for the safety of the public and the personnel fighting the fire.
Additional information on road closures can be found at www.nmroads.com.
Forest closure information can be found at http://fs.usda.gov/gila.
Image courtesy of inciweb.org
