As of the morning of July 24, the Goose Wildfire is 30% contained. Fire crews made significant progress yesterday toward full suppression objectives, resulting in the increase in containment. Handline construction was completed along Snow Creek Trail #233, while work continued on preparing the eastern control line and securing the fire perimeter. Today, rehabilitation efforts will begin along Goose Lake Trail #238 and Sheep Corral Trail #231, as well as on Forest Service Roads 282 and 4083V. Helicopter support remains available to aid in slowing the fire’s spread, and a reconnaissance flight is scheduled for the afternoon. Highway 15 may be closed to all traffic for up to eight-hour increments due to the withdrawal of heavy equipment; the road closure interruptions will continue through Saturday at 10 p.m.
In other news:
The New Mexico Health Care Authority has announced that Grant County residents who lost food due to the Trout Fire —including residents of the recently added Mimbres ZIP code (88049)—now have until Monday, July 28, to request emergency SNAP food benefits. To qualify for replacement benefits, households must be current SNAP recipients, reside in one of the affected ZIP codes (88053, 88061, 88062, or 88049). Individuals can report their food loss by calling 1-800-283-4465 or by visiting 3088 32nd Street Bypass, Suite A, in Silver City.
Animas Public Schools announced that they have been awarded a second year of funding from the Outdoor Equity Fund Grant, administered by the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Outdoor Recreation Division. This grant supports off-campus programs designed to enhance students’ understanding of subjects currently being studied in the classroom. The district’s “Learning Outside the Classroom” initiative serves as a valuable educational tool, providing students with experiential learning opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting.
The Annual New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax Holiday is set to return, offering shoppers a limited-time opportunity to purchase qualifying items tax-free at retail stores across the state. During this period, the state suspends the collection of gross receipts tax on eligible tangible personal property, allowing retailers to sell these items without charging sales tax. This year’s tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, and ends at midnight on Sunday, July 27.
