Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

The Gila National Forest Service is reminding all visitors on public lands to practice “situational awareness.” Situational awareness is the perception of environmental elements and events – in essence, knowing what going on around you at any given place and time. When visiting the forest, people should remember that they are sharing space with a variety of wildlife; including snakes, bears, mountain lions, deer, elk, and many more species. The forest service has received a report of a mountain lion near water sources and a human vs. bear encounter over the Memorial Day weekend. New Mexico is in a state of severe to extreme drought and that affects the wildlife as well.

 

Officers from the Deming Police Department joined students at Memorial Elementary School’s Field Day to play volleyball and interact with the children in a positive environment. Officers Derek Lovelace and Lee Jordan Cook, dedicated a portion of their break time to play ball with the students. Thank you, Officers, for spending quality time with the kids!

 

The Stage Stop Mobile Home Park on West Market Street in Silver City was the scene of a fire early Tuesday evening. At approximately 6:30 P.M., a resident in the park heard a loud pop and then discovered that the mobile home next door was on fire. He attempted to kick the door open to check if there was anyone inside, but it would not open. Silver City firefighters arrived shortly thereafter and extinguished the fire. The trailer, that was not hooked up to electric or gas, was completely destroyed and no injuries were reported. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

U.S Senator Martin Heinrich’s Staff and members of the New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System Staff, are hosting a Veterans Health Care Information Session tomorrow from 10:00 A.M. to 12 Noon at the American Legion Post 18 located at 409 West Collage Avenue in Silver City. The information session will provide an opportunity for veterans to hear from New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System staff about the Veterans Choice Program and meet face to face with VA staff for help accessing care through the Veterans Choice Program. The Silver City Veterans Health Care Information Session is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend.

 

In regard to the Buzzard Fire, located Northeast of Eagle Peak Lookout in the Gila National Forest, a report was obtained this morning that fire investigators have determined that an illegal abandoned camp fire caused the Buzzard Fire. On the western portion of the fire, crews continued burning out control lines to keep up with the main fire as it nears Eagle Peak. Near Cox Canyon, crews are successfully burning out control lines as the main fire is burning around Buzzard Peak near private ranches. The incident meteorologist has declared a Red Flag Warning over the fire area. Weather conditions will be warmer and drier, with strong winds from the southwest. Winds could easily gust 30-35 miles per hour on exposed ridges and unsheltered areas. For current information, visit the following:

Fire Information Links:  nmfireinfo.com and https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5814/

For information on the Gila National Forest, please visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila

Fire Information: (602) 529-5924

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GilaNForest/

Twitter: @GilaNForest

Email: buzzardfireinfo2018@gmail.com