Dry conditions and wind are fueling growth of the Silver Fire. The fire grew 5,500 acres to reach 30,300 acres. Firefighters were able to hold containment lines and protect the community of Kingston. The fire burned actively in Railroad Canyon, Carbonate Creek and Little Bear Canyon.
Predicted weather will have west-southwest winds to 20 mph with possible gusts up to 35 mph and single digit humidity. The temperature is predicted to be in the mid 90’s. Smoke from the fire today will be visible from miles away.
Crews will continue indirect line construction on the west flank of the fire along existing trails and mop up and patrol in the Kingston and Royal John Mine area. Team leadership says that the fire could grow another 2,000 to 6,000 acres today.
Cooperators include the Grant and Sierra County Sheriff’s Departments, NM State Police, Las Cruces BLM District, NM State Forestry and NM Department of Transportation.
Daily public meetings continue to be held each morning at the Hillsboro Community Center at 10.
Forest closure information can be found at: http://fs.usda.gov/gila or www.nmroads.com.
Silver Fire updates can be found on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3414. For additional fire information visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/SilverFireNM, www.flickr.com/gilaforest,www.twitter.com/SilverFireNM.