The Silver Fire is now estimated at more than 125,000 acres and is 45 percent contained. Activity has been moderate with light precipitation over some of the fire area. The fire was actively backing down the western perimeter. On the west side the, fire is burning into piñon and juniper where it is going out. Fire crews continued work on containing spot fires to the west side of the fire within the Rabb Park Trail area. The infrared flight last night could not determine the exact size of the growth due to heavy smoke and cloud cover.
Burnout operations may be utilized on the west and northwest side of the fire today if conditions warrant, helping reduce the fire’s intensity. If the burnout operation is initiated, there may be an increase in smoke. The south and east sides of the fire will continue to be monitored by air.
The Gila National Forest will be coordinating a retrieval of Gila Trout from South Diamond Creek as a precautionary measure.
Smoke: Variable winds are expected near the Silver Fire. Communities of Mimbers Valley and surrounding areas can expect smoke from the Silver Fire intermittently at different times of the day as the winds shifts directions.
Additional smoke may be visible along the north and northwest part of the fire if the burnout operations are initiated. For information about health effects of smoke, including actions individuals can take to protect themselves, and guidance on distances and visibility based on location of current fires, please visit https://nmtracking.org/fire.
Moisture is starting to move into the area bringing more cloud cover, slightly lower temperatures, an increase in relative humidity, and light winds. There is also a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms on the Black Range that may bring dry lightning.
Open Areas: Silver City, Hillsboro, and Winston remain open. Businesses along NM State Highways 15 and 35 remain open, all the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The majority of the Gila National Forest is open for recreational opportunities with Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect. For more information on restrictions, go to firerestrictions.us. There is an emergency closure on the Forest for the fire area. For more information about the fire closure go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila
Road Closure: NM Highway 152 is closed from Kingston to San Lorenzo. For additional information go to www.nmroads.com.
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Estimated Acres: 125, 757 Cause: Lightning Start Date: June 7, 2013
Containment: 45% Location: Vicinity of Kingston, NM Fuels: Timber
Total Personnel: 695 Terrain: Steep, rugged