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Erratic Silver Fire Now 20 Percent Contained

An erratic wildfire in southern New Mexico's Gila National Forest spilling smoke columns 30,000 feet high is now 20 percent contained.

Officials say crews made progress Thursday against the 57-square-mile Silver Fire after air tankers helped firefighters hold containment lines.

Crews are scheduled Friday to construct indirect fire line from East Yates Canyon to McKnight Cabin in the northwest part of the blaze and along the Hermosa Trail in the northeast part.

Residents of the historic mining town of Kingston were allowed to return home after they were forced to evacuate for 10 days.

Officials said they expected to see the conditions stay hot and dry until monsoon season. The most active part of the fire is in the north.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.