SILVER CITY, NM. – The 6,700 acre Silver Fire has transitioned from a local Type III organization to the Northern Arizona Type II Incident Management Team (IMT) led by Incident Commander Matt Reidy. The fire is 6 miles west of Kingston, NM.
The lightning caused Silver Fire was reported at 3:00 p.m. on June 7. The fire is being managed in a full suppression strategy. The fire was immediately and aggressively attacked using all available aerial and ground firefighting resources. In spite of the efforts of firefighters, the fire could not be contained. The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain with limited access. According to Forest Supervisor Kelly Russell, the safety of the public and our firefighters is the number one priority followed by the protection of the community of Kingston and surrounding private lands.
A mandatory evacuation order was successfully implemented for the residents of Kingston. An evacuation center has been established in Hillsboro at the Community Center. New Mexico State Route 152 is closed through the Black Range from San Lorenzo to Hillsboro and the Royal John road is closed to the public but remains open to residents.
More than 350 personnel are assigned to the incident including seven hotshot crews, three 20-person crews, 10 engines, and two dozers. Due to the large amount of fire activity in the state, competition for resources is high.
Silver Fire information is posted at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3414.