We, at Silver City Radio, will keep you informed about the forest fires in the area. As we receive information about the fires, we will pass along that information to you. In addition, there has been an implementation of Stage 2 Restrictions effective today, indicating the fire danger in our area has been elevated to extreme.
These additional fire restrictions will remain in effect until forest officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire. Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following: Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove. Devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off are the exception; Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or developed recreation area, unless you are in a 3-foot diameter cleared of burnable vegetation; Operating any internal combustible engine, including chainsaws during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m; Welding or operating acetylene, or other torches with an open flame; and of course, Fireworks and/or explosives are always prohibited on National Forest System lands.
Regarding the Meadow Fire that started on June 3rd northwest of Signal Peak Lookout, is 80% contained, using a total personal of 100, and has encompassed 160 acres. The fuels burning in this fire are grass, oak brush, heavy dead and down and ponderosa pine. There continues to be smoke in the interior of the fire and crews are continuing to work on mop-up and security the edges. Activity has died down some with minimal spread. Temporary Closure Area Order is in place and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Buzzard Fire that started on May 22nd, 10 miles northeast of Reserve in the Gila National Forest, is 49% contained, is using a total personnel of 577 members, and has encompassed 38,812 acres. The Buzzard Fire area has had minimal growth in the last 24 hours due to the hard work of fire crews performing burning operations. Uncontained fire remains on the west side of Eagle Peak. Due to steep terrain and lack of road access in this area, crews are monitoring the fire as it progresses to lower elevations where it will eventually be starved for fuel. Crews on the north side of the fire are continuing suppression repair efforts on constructed fireline. Control lines around the remainder of the fire have held and remain secure. As the fire slowly backs through old burn scars toward containment lines, only moderate amounts of smoke are expected, causing minor impacts to the majority of populated areas. Investigation has determined that the fire was human- caused.
For more on these fires, check out nmfireinfo.com. We have information posted on our website as we receive it, will post on silvercityradio.com, with additional links for you to receive information from the forest service.
