The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) District One office is assisting law enforcement with the placement of traffic control on NM-152 from Hillsboro to Silver City, mile marker 16-40. This section of roadway has been CLOSED due to a forest fire in the Silver City area. Please avoid any travels to area until the closure has been lifted. Notifications will continue to be posted on the department’s road advisory www.nmroads.com, which can also be retrieved by call 511 in state or 1-800-432-4269 out of state.
Sunday, June 9, 2013 – Fire Update 8 p.m.
Silver City Ranger District-
Silver Fire: Pre- Evacuation has been ordered for the town of Kingston New Mexico. Fire officials have advised that the fire is approximately 5 air miles from the town of Kingston. New Mexico Highway 152 eastbound and westbound from 35 miles East of Bayard at mile marker 16 to 10 miles West of Hillsboro at mile marker 40 has been closed for the safety of the public and firefighters. Acreage: 1,000
Fire managers continue to aggressively fight this fire. Given the extreme conditions and current weather forecast the Silver Fire has the potential to grow.
Public meeting for the town of Hillsboro is being planned for tomorrow (6/10/13) more information to follow.
Additional resources have been ordered.
Other wildfires on the Gila National Forest:
The 73-acre Indian Fire is 10 miles north of the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The lightning-ignited fire did not grow today and is 25 percent contained. Eight smokejumpers continue to work the fire, which is not expected to grow further.
The 80-acre Papoose Fire is 11 miles north of the Gila Cliff Dwellings. This lightning-ignited fire also did not grow today and is not expected to grow further. It is 25 percent contained, and 12 smokejumpers continue to mop-up.
CLOSURE: Hwy 152 from San Lorenzo to Hillsboro. Trail #79 has also been closed. For more information: www.nmroads.com
Fire and Smoking Restrictions
The Gila National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Allowing campfires in designated developed campgrounds and picnic areas, which must be in a Forest Service provided grill or fire ring. Fires in rock rings will not be allowed. The use of petroleum- fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices are acceptable, provided they meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety . Smoking is limited to a vehicle, building, or 3 –foot area cleared of all flammable materials.
For more information about the Silver Fire call: (575)388-8363 or go to www.inciweb.org