Additional evacuations issued on the Black Fire 

Afternoon Update 5/25/2022 8:00 pm 

Announcement: Effective immediately, the Black Fire is implementing additional evacuations. 

Evacuations:  In coordination with Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the evacuation status for the following areas have changed:  Area 8: The area east of Forest Road 150 is now in a GO evacuation.  The area west of Forest Road 150 remains in SET.  Additionally, beginning at the south edge of Area 8, south three miles south and then east to Forest Road 150 has been moved to READY.  This includes V Cross Ranch, Lake Roberts, and Roberts Dip.  The area three miles south of the existing Area 8 on the east side of Forest Road 150 has been moved to SET.  This includes Cooney, McKnight Cabin, the Continental Divide Scenic Trail, and Kelly Mesa.    

In coordination with Grant, Catron, and Sierra counties, the following areas are under evacuation status: 

GO – 

• Area 1: The area runs from Burnt Cabin west along the south side of NM Highway 59 to the junction with FS Rd 150, then south along the east side of FS Rd 150 back to where it connects back to Area 2. 

• Area 2: Existing area 2 evacuations remain in place. 

• Area 4: Areas in Sierra County, from the Continental Divide Scenic Trail to just east of the Gila National Forest Boundary, including Hermosa and Mud Spring Mountain. 

• Area 5: Areas in Grant County, including 150 corridor 1.5 south of Tom Moore Trailhead. 

• Area 6: East of Forest Road 150 to the Continental Divide Scenic Trail. 

• Area 7: East of Forest Road 150 to the Continental Divide Scenic Trail. 

• Area 8:  The area east of Forest Road 150 to the Gila National Forest Boundary, including the Continental Divide Scenic Trail, Victorio Park Mountain, Flagpole Mountain, and Pack Trail. 

SET –  

• Area 1: Encompassing parts of Catron and Sierra Counties, including Beaverhead and Poverty Creek. 

• Area 3: Areas in Sierra County, including Winston and Chloride. 

• Area 6: The area west of Forest Road 150 remains in set. This area is in Grant County. 

• Area 7: The area west of Forest Road 150, including the Rocky Canyon Campground. 

• Area 8:  The area west of Forest Road 150, beginning at the south end of Area 7, approximately four miles south, and approximately 9-10 miles west. 

• Area 9: From the north edge of Area 1, running north along the Forest Boundary four miles, then east approximately 24 miles then south back to the Area 1 set northern edge. 

• Area 11: The area three miles south of the existing Area 8 on the east side of Forest Road 150. This includes Cooney, McKnight Cabin, the Continental Divide Scenic Trail, and Kelly Mesa.    

READY –  

• Area 10: From the northern edge of Area 9, north three miles, then east approximately 24 miles, then south three miles to the edge of Area 9. 

• Area 11: From the southern edge of Area 8, south three miles and then east to Forest Road 150.  This includes V Cross Ranch, Lake Roberts, and Roberts Dip.   

The sheriffs of Grant, Catron, and Sierra counties are using the Ready, Set, Go program to notify residents of evacuation status. For detailed information on Ready, Set, Go! New Mexico, visit https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/.    

More Information: 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8103/ 

New Mexico Fire information: https://nmfireinfo.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GilaNForest 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gilanforest  

Evacuation Update: Effective at 10 pm, Tuesday, May 24, 2022, additional evacuations have been implemented because of fire activity on the Black Fire. In coordination with Grant, Catron, and Sierra counties, the following areas are under a level of evacuation status:   

GO – Area 1:  New:  The Area 1 Go has expanded north.  The area runs from Burnt Cabin Flat west along the south side of NM Highway 59 to the junction with FS Rd 150, then south along the east side of FS Rd 150 back to where it connects back to Area 2.   

GO – Area 2:  No Change: Existing area 2 evacuations remain in place.   

GO – Area 4: No Change: Areas in Sierra County, including Hermosa and Mud Spring Mountain. 

GO – Area 5: No Change:  Areas in Grant County, including 150 corridor 1.5 south of Tom Moore Trailhead.  

GO – Area 6: No Change: Area 6 east of Forest Road 150 to the Continental Divide Trail. 

GO – Area 7: No Change: Area 7 east of Forest Road 150, including the Continental Divide Scenic Trail. 

SET – Area 9: New: From the north edge of Area 1, running north along the Forest Boundary four miles, then east approximately 24 miles then south back to the Area 1 set northern edge. 

SET – Area 1: Change: Encompasses parts of Catron and Sierra Counties, including Beaverhead and Poverty Creek . 

SET – Area 3: No Change:  Areas in Sierra County, including Winston and Chloride 

SET – Area 6: No Change: The area west of Forest Road 150 remains in set. This area is in Grant County. 

SET – Area 7: No Change: Area 7 west of Forest Road 150, including the Rocky Canyon Campground. 

SET – Area 8: No Change:  Area beginning at the south end of Area 7, four miles south, then east approximately 27 miles.  The area now includes Victorio Park Mountain, Flagpole Mountain, and Pack Trail.  

READY – Area 10: New:  From the northern edge of Area 9, north three miles, then east approximately 24 miles, then south three miles to the edge of Area 9. 

The sheriffs of Grant, Catron, and Sierra counties use the Ready, Set, Go evacuation program. For more information, visit https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/.  

 Evacuations updated as containment steadily increases;  

Warming trend will bring active fire behavior 

Daily Update 5/25/2022 

Acres: 167,378 acres  

Location: 31 miles NW of Truth or Consequences 

Containment: 14% 

Personnel:  747 

Start Date: Friday, May 13, 2022 

Cause: Human-caused, under investigation 

Fuels: Timber and tall grass 

Structures Lost: 2 

Evacuation Update: Effective at 10 pm, Wednesday, May 25, 2022, additional evacuations have been implemented because of fire activity on the Black Fire. In coordination with Grant, Catron, and Sierra counties, the following areas are under a level of evacuation status:   

GO – Area 1:  New:  The Area 1 Go has expanded north.  The area runs from Burnt Cabin Flat west along the south side of NM Highway 59 to the junction with FS Rd 150, then south along the east side of FS Rd 150 back to where it connects back to Area 2.   

GO – Area 2:  No Change: Existing area 2 evacuations remain in place.   

GO – Area 4: No Change: Areas in Sierra County, including Hermosa and Mud Spring Mountain. 

GO – Area 5: No Change:  Areas in Grant County, including 150 corridor 1.5 south of Tom Moore Trailhead.  

GO – Area 6: No Change: Area 6 east of Forest Road 150 to the Continental Divide Trail. 

GO – Area 7: No Change: Area 7 east of Forest Road 150, including the Continental Divide Scenic Trail. 

SET – Area 9: New: From the north edge of Area 1, running north along the Forest Boundary four miles, then east approximately 24 miles then south back to the Area 1 set northern edge. 

SET – Area 1: Change: Encompasses parts of Catron and Sierra Counties, including Beaverhead and Poverty Creek . 

SET – Area 3: No Change:  Areas in Sierra County, including Winston and Chloride 

SET – Area 6: No Change: The area west of Forest Road 150 remains in set. This area is in Grant County. 

SET – Area 7: No Change: Area 7 west of Forest Road 150, including the Rocky Canyon Campground. 

SET – Area 8: No Change:  Area beginning at the south end of Area 7, four miles south, then east approximately 27 miles.  The area now includes Victorio Park Mountain, Flagpole Mountain, and Pack Trail.  

READY – Area 10: New:  From the northern edge of Area 9, north three miles, then east approximately 24 miles, then south three miles to the edge of Area 9. 

The sheriffs of Grant, Catron, and Sierra counties use the Ready, Set, Go evacuation program. For more information, visit https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/.  

Community Meeting: There will be a community meeting Thursday, May 26, 2022, at the Ralph Edward Civic Center at 7:00 pm 400 W 4th Street, Truth or Consequences, NM. It will also be live-streamed on the Gila National Forest Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GilaNForest. You do not need a Facebook account to view the meeting.  

Overview:  Firefighters are working hard to contain the Black Fire. While containment increases, so do acres burned, as interior pockets of fuel continue to be consumed by the fire. This will be a slow process, with rugged terrain, inaccessible country and 175 miles of fireline to construct. Communities are encouraged to continue monitoring evacuation status updates and fire activity.   

Fire Update: On Tuesday, Red Flag weather conditions across the Black Fire kept fire behavior active with wind-driven spread, and some spotting. The Black Fire was active on the west side of Reeds Peak on the southern edge, as well as on the east side south of the South Fork of the Cuchilla Negro Creek, and continued to move north east toward Franks Mountain. 

Today, the Black Fire  will continue to be active due to a combination of terrain and weather conditions. Crews will continue to patrol, and secure the containment line along FS Rd 150 boundary. Suppression repair will also begin today as crews chip slash that was cut along the firelines. There will be increased activity on the northern end of the fire as crews conduct firing operations to mitigate unburned pockets of fuel between the primary fire and containment lines. Firefighters will utilize hand and aerial ignitions to strengthen firelines, and aerial resources will continue dropping water and retardant as conditions allow. These aerial operations are conducted by aircraft, including helicopters, air tankers, and scoopers, to assist firefighters on the ground and slow the fire’s rate of spread. Nighttime Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) ignitions – also known as drones – are used when conditions are cooler, less windy, and have higher humidity to consume fuels between control lines and the fires edge. 

Weather: A warming trend will begin today with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to the low 90s across the fire area. Winds will be lighter out of the southwest, and relative humidity will remain low. This warming trend will bring critical fire weather as the week progresses. 

Road Closures: Highway 59 is closed from the 59/52 intersections west to the 59/150 intersection. Forest Service Road 150 is closed where it intersects Mimbres Trail. I-25 and other state highways remain open.  

Smoke:  Northwest winds continue today. Smoke impacts will increase with fire activity in the late afternoon into the evenings. Winston and surrounding areas will see unhealthy conditions again today with periods of hazardous in the mid morning hours. Magdalena and Socorro will see good air quality today. Increased fire activity will bring periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) south of the fire. Truth or Consequences will see smoke impacts late in the evening as winds from the northwest continue. Caballo will see periods of moderate smoke throughout the evening hours. Gila Cliff Dwelling may see some periods of moderate smoke with increased fire activity on the southwest part of the fire. Hanover will see smoke increase along the Mimbres river dainage later in the afternoon.  More information is available at https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook.   

Aviation Restrictions: Airtankers, helicopters, and water scoopers are assisting firefighters’ suppression efforts. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Black Fire to allow official aviation resources to operate safely.  

Fire Restrictions: The Gila National Forest is under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/gila/alerts-notices/?aid=73002 for more information. The New Mexico State Forester has implemented statewide fire restrictions. More information: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/find-current-fire-restrictions/.   

More Information: 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8103/ 

New Mexico Fire information: https://nmfireinfo.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GilaNForest 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gilanforest  

The High Desert Humane Society in Silver City (Grant County) will accept dogs/cats from evacuees at no fee. Owners need to call ahead and make arrangements, 575-538-9261. If closed, call nonemergency dispatch at 575-388-8840 and ask for Animal Control Officer. They are a small shelter but will help as able.

 Active Fire Behavior Continues; Red Flag Warning Issued Today 

Daily Update 5/24/2022 

Acres: 154,911 acres  

Location: 31 miles NW of Truth or Consequences 

Containment: 11% 

Personnel:  646 

Start Date: Friday, May 13, 2022 

Cause: Human caused, under investigation 

Fuels: Timber and tall grass 

Structures Lost: 2 

Overview:  There is red flag warning in effect today from 12 pm-8 pm. A shift in winds may push the fire in different directions than the past week. Firefighters assisted by aircraft have been working to suppress this fire since it was discovered by building firelines ahead of the fire, as well as direct line closer to the fire where safely possible. Firefighters are challenged by the size of the fire, rough terrain and limited access.   

Fire Update: The Black Fire showed active fire behavior Monday, with increased activity on the northeast side of the fire in Beyer’s Run and the southwest corner. Fire progression on the east has slowed.  

Active fire behavior is anticipated on the northeast side of the fire today. North of the fire, crews continue to work on Road 59 by building firelines with bull dozers to prevent the fire from moving farther north. Firefighters will be conducting firing operations along Turkey Creek Road to strengthen firelines. Crews on the northwest side of the fire will be mopping up after firing operations yesterday and will continue to construct fireline along Titanic Road. Firefighters continue to identify structures in need of protection. The south side of the fire will back down into the Silver Fire scar. Crews are using Road 150 as a containment feature and continue to build firelines off it. As weather gets hotter, the fire is expected to make short uphill runs.  

Evacuations:  In coordination with Grant, Catron, and Sierra counties, the following areas are under evacuation status as of 3 pm on Sunday, May 22. Please reference the evacuation map.   

 GO – Area 1:  New:  Starting from Taylor Peak northeast to Kline Mountain, then east to Turkey Creek, following the Bear Creek Road southeast tying back into the north end of Area 3. The Area 1 portion, including Taylor Ranch and Alexander Peak, remains in GO.  The line extends north along the Titanic Road, then east approximately eight miles before heading southeast, tying back into Area 2. The rest of Area 2 remains in Go.  The rest of Area 1 remains in Set, and encompasses parts of Catron and Sierra Counties, including Beaverhead and Poverty Creek.  

GO – Area 6: No Change:  Area 6 east of Forest Road 150 is now in Go.  The area west of Forest Road 150 remains in set.  This area is in Grant County.   

GO – Area 4: No Change: Areas in Sierra County, including Hermosa and Mud Spring Mountain.    

GO – Area 5: No Change:  Areas in Grant County, including 150 corridor 1.5 south of Tom Moore Trailhead.   

GO – Area 7: Change: Area 7 east of Forest Road 150, including the Continental Divide Scenic Trail.    

SET – Area 7: Change: Area 7 west of Forest Road 150, including the Rocky Canyon Campground.  

SET – Area 3: No Change:  Areas in Sierra County, including Winston and Chloride.   

SET – Area 8: New:  Area beginning at the south end of Area 7, four miles south, then east approximately 27 miles. The area now includes Victorio Park Mountain, Flagpole Mountain, and Pack Trail. 

The sheriffs of Grant, Catron, and Sierra counties use the Ready, Set, Go evacuation program. For more information visit https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/. 

Weather: Today, winds will shift and blow from the west and northwest. A Red Flag Warning is in effect. Breezy west and southwest winds will return to the fire area on Friday through the weekend. Temperatures will continue to climb as the week goes on.  

Road Closures: Highway 59, is closed from the 59/52 intersections west to the 59/150 intersection.  Forest Service Road 150 is closed where it intersects Mimbres Trail. I-25 and other state highways remain open.  

Smoke: Cloud cover will hold smoke close to the ground, keeping it from lifting and dissipating. Winston and surrounding areas will see unhealthy conditions again today with periods of hazardous air quality in the mid-morning hours. Magdalena and Socorro will see moderate to good air quality today. Increased fire activity will bring periods of Unhealthy Air Quality for Sensitive Groups south of the fire. Truth or Consequences will see smoke impacts late in the evening as winds switch to northwest. 

Visit the Southern New Mexico Smoke Outlook website for additional information.  

Aviation Restrictions: Airtankers, helicopters, and water scoopers are assisting firefighters’ suppression efforts. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Black Fire to allow official aviation resources to operate safely.  

Fire Restrictions: The Gila National Forest is under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/gila/alerts-notices/?aid=73002 for more information. The New Mexico State Forester has implemented statewide fire restrictions. More information: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/find-current-fire-restrictions/.   

More Information: 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8103/ 

New Mexico Fire information: https://nmfireinfo.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GilaNForest 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gilanforest  

 Cloud Cover to Cause Increased Smoke on Black Fire 

Community Meeting will be held tonight at the Winston Country Church at 7pm 
Daily Update 5/23/2022 

Acres: 146,679 acres  

Location: 31 miles NW of Truth or Consequences 

Containment: 8% 

Personnel:  661 

Start Date: Friday, May 13, 2022 

Cause: Human caused, under investigation 

Fuels: Timber and tall grass 

Structures Lost: 2 

Announcement: There will be a community meeting tonight, in person, at 7 pm at the Winston Country Church, 2899 Highway 52, Winston, NM, 87943. Please bring your own chair if you would like to sit during the meeting. 

Overview:  The Black Fire is expected to be especially active on the northeast and southern sides of the fire today, causing an increase in smoke that will linger in central and southern New Mexico and impact air quality in nearby communities. Firefighters have been working to suppress this fire since it was discovered, and are building fireline to contain the Black Fire as efficiently and safely as possible.  

Fire Update:  Yesterday, the Black Fire was less active in the morning due to lower temperatures and partial cloud cover. However, as temperatures increased, the fire became very active where fuels and topography aligned, causing the fire to grow an additional 16,000+ acres. Firefighters worked to prep fireline north and south of the fire along roadways. They also conducted firing operations north of the fire around private inholdings to protect structures and try to stop fire progression. On the southeastern part of the fire, helicopters coordinated with ground crews to do helicopter water bucket drops to protect the Hermosa area.  

Today, fire will continue its progression to the north, east and south driven by heavy fuels and topography. Fire is expected to show consistent southward spread in the 2010 Aspen and 2013 Silver Fires burn scars. Slightly warmer temperatures and southwest winds of 20 mph are anticipated. Firefighters will conduct firing operations on the southwest side of the fire near Black Canyon to slow progression. North of the fire, crews continue work to protect values like homes and infrastructure in the Turkey Creek area, as well as prep and construct fireline. Crews remain in the Hermosa area today, strengthening firelines north of the community. Structure assessments and identification of values at risk are ongoing.  

Evacuations:  In coordination with Grant, Catron, and Sierra counties, the following areas are under evacuation status as of 3 pm on Sunday, May 22:  

 
GO – Area 1:  New:  Starting from Taylor Peak northeast to Kline Mountain, then east to Turkey Creek, following the Bear Creek Road southeast, tying back into the north end of Area 3. The Area 1 portion, including Taylor Ranch and Alexander Peak, remains in GO.  The line extends north along the Titanic Road, then east approximately eight miles before heading southeast, tying back into Area 2. The rest of Area 2 remains in Go.  The rest of Area 1 remains in Set, and encompasses parts of Catron and Sierra Counties, including Beaverhead and Poverty Creek.  

GO – Area 6: No Change:  Area 6 east of Forest Road 150 is now in Go.  The area west of Forest Road 150 remains in set.  This area is in Grant County.   

GO – Area 4: No Change: Areas in Sierra County, including Hermosa and Mud Spring Mountain.    

GO – Area 5: No Change:  Areas in Grant County, including 150 corridor 1.5 south of Tom Moore Trailhead.   

GO – Area 7: Change: Area 7 east of Forest Road 150, including the Continental Divide Scenic Trail.    

SET – Area 7: Change: Area 7 west of Forest Road 150, including the Rocky Canyon Campground.  

SET – Area 3: No Change:  Areas in Sierra County, including Winston and Chloride.   

SET – Area 8: New:  Area beginning at the south end of Area 7, four miles south, then east approximately 27 miles. The area now includes Victorio Park Mountain, Flagpole Mountain, and Pack Trail. 

The sheriffs of Grant, Catron, and Sierra counties use the Ready, Set, Go evacuation program. For details visit https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/. 

Weather: Southwest winds are expected today at around 20 mph and will shift to the west/northwest on Tuesday. Relative humidity levels will be around 10%. Southwest winds will return to the fire area by Thursday. A mixture of cloud and sun are expected each day through the week. Temperatures will increase slightly as the week goes on.   

Road Closures: Highway 59, is closed from the 59/52 intersections west to the 59/150 intersection.  Forest Service Road 150 is closed on North Star Mesa at the Junction of NM Highway 35. I-25 and other state highways remain open.  

Smoke: Heavy smoke is expected over the next 48 hours due to cloud cover that will hamper smoke from lifting and dispersing. Winds will blow smoke to the northeast affecting Truth or Consequences, Winston, Magdalena and Socorro with periods of moderate to unhealthy air quality depending on the area. South of the fire will see good air quality for most of the day. Visit https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/63a6f2d8? to view your area’s air quality and specific smoke forecast.  

Aviation: Airtankers, helicopters, and water scoopers are assisting firefighters’ suppression efforts. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Black Fire to allow official aviation resources to operate safely.  

Fire Restrictions: The Gila National Forest entered Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m., Thursday, May 19, 2022. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/gila/alerts-notices/?aid=73002. The New Mexico State Forester has implemented statewide fire restrictions. Information is available at https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/find-current-fire-restrictions/.   

More Information: 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8103/ 

New Mexico Fire information: https://nmfireinfo.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GilaNForest 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gilanforest  

Additional evacuations issued on the Black Fire 
5/22/2022 4:00 p.m.
 
  
Link to map

Announcement: Effective immediately, additional evacuations have been implemented due to the Black Fire. 

Evacuations: In coordination with Catron, and Sierra counties, the evacuation status for the following areas have changed: An additional portion of Area 1 has been moved to GO. Starting from Taylor Peak northeast to Kline Mountain, then east to Turkey Creek, following the Bear Creek Road southeast tying back into the north end of Area 3. Area 7 west of Forest Road 150 has been moved to SET; Area 7 east of Forest Road 150 has been moved to GO. Area 8 has been moved to Set.

The current evacuation status is:

GO – Area 1: New: Starting from Taylor Peak northeast to Kline Mountain, then east to Turkey Creek, following the Bear Creek Road southeast tying back into the north end of Area 3. The Area 1 portion, including Taylor Ranch and Alexander Peak, remains in GO. The line extends north along the Titanic Road, then east approximately eight miles before heading southeast, tying back into Area 2. The rest of Area 2 remains in Go. The rest of Area 1 remains in Set, and encompasses parts of Catron and Sierra Counties, including Beaverhead and Poverty Creek. 

GO – Area 6: No Change: Area 6 east of Forest Road 150 is now in Go. The area west of Forest Road 150 remains in set. This area is in Grant County. 

GO – Area 4: No Change: Areas in Sierra County, including Hermosa and Mud Spring Mountain. 

GO – Area 5: No Change: Areas in Grant County, including 150 corridor 1.5 south of Tom Moore Trailhead. 

GO – Area 7: Change: Area 7 east of Forest Road 150, including the Continental Divide Scenic Trail.

SET – Area 7: Change: Area 7 west of Forest Road 150, including the Rocky Canyon Campground. 

SET – Area 3: No Change: Areas in Sierra County, including Winston and Chloride.

SET – Area 8: New: Area beginning at the south end of Area 7, four miles south, then east approximately 27 miles. The area now includes Victorio Park Mountain, Flagpole Mountain, and Pack Trail. 

The sheriffs of Grant, Catron, and Sierra counties are using the Ready, Set, Go program to notify residents of evacuation status. For detailed information on Ready, Set, Go! New Mexico, visit https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/. 

More Information:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8103/
New Mexico Fire information: https://nmfireinfo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GilaNForest
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gilanforest

Black Fire Public Meeting on Monday (5/23/2022) at 7 p.m.
 
There will be a Public Meeting for the Black Fire on Monday, May 23 at 7 p.m. at the Winston Country Church (2899 Highway 52, Winston, NM 87943).
 
Please note, if you would like to sit during the meeting, please bring your own chair.

 Firefighters increase containment; Cause under investigation 

Daily Update 5/22/2022 

Acres: 130,224 acres  

Location: 31 miles NW of Truth or Consequences 

Containment: 6% 

Personnel:  616 

Start Date: Friday, May 13, 2022 

Cause: Human caused, under investigation 

Fuels: Timber and tall grass 

Structures Lost: 2 

Overview:  The Black Fire is human caused and law enforcement is Investigating.  Firefighting resources have been working to suppress this fire since it was discovered, and are building fireline to contain the Black Fire as efficiently and effectively as possible, while providing for both firefighter and public safety.  

Fire Update: The Black Fire showed active fire behavior on Saturday, with increased activity where fuels and topography aligned.  The north and northeast flanks were active earlier in the day across pine stands while higher relative humidity helped slow the fire spread in the east and southeast flanks.  On the south end, fire backed into Black Canyon throughout the day and into last night, with upslope/up drainage pushes.  Crews worked on Forest Road 150 to the south as well as Titanic Road to the north. Structural assessments continued and firefighters cut additional handline, providing point protection for infrastructure and other values at risk.  Crews also secured containment lines, monitoring fire behavior and mopping up, where firelines are secure.  Fire moved across Black Canyon so aerial firing operations were used to protect pine stands in the area. 

Today, active fire behavior will continue across the Black Fire.  Crews will conduct structural assessments, taking point protection actions across the fire area.  Firefighters will revisit check lines/roads – temporary fireline constructed at right angles to the main control line that are used to hold fire in check as a means of regulating the heat or intensity of the firing operations to identify opportunities to build out additional containment lines. 

Fire is expected to continue to move north/northeast through pine, grass, and brush fuels and east/southeast through drainage bottoms when fuels and terrain align.  The area within and surrounding the Black Fire is rugged and the drainages and terrain continue to pose challenges for firefighters.  Firefighters are working day and night to contain the fire with a variety of tactics including hand crews, aerial ignitions, and aerial resources dropping water and retardant, where effective and safe to do so.  Firefighters engage in active and extreme fire behavior conditions by giving themselves space and time to build containment lines further from the flaming front and ahead of the longest spotting distances.  In doing so, there is unburned fuel between the main fire edge and the designated “indirect” containment line. This space gives firefighters a safer opportunity to complete containment lines and initiate tactical firing operations to reinforce those lines by building an already burnt path that, in essence, builds a wider containment line and robs the main fire front from progressing. 

Evacuations:  In coordination with Grant, Catron, and Sierra counties, the following areas are under evacuation status as of 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 21:    

GO – Area 2:  New:  A portion of Area 1 is now in go, including Taylor Ranch and Alexander Peak.  The line extends north along the Titanic Road, then east approximately eight miles before heading southeast, tying back into Area 2. The rest of Area 2 remains in Go.  The rest of Area 1 remains in Set, and encompasses parts of Catron and Sierra Counties, including Beaverhead and Poverty Creek. 

GO – Area 6: Change:  Area 6 east of Forest Road 150 is now in Go.  The area west of Forest Road 150 remains in set.  This area is in Grant County.  

GO – Area 4: No Change: Areas in Sierra County, including Hermosa and Mud Spring Mountain.   

GO – Area 5: No Change:  Areas in Grant County, including 150 corridor 1.5 south of Tom Moore Trailhead.  

SET: Area 7: Change:  Area 7 east of Forest Road 150 is now in Set and includes the Continental Divide Scenic Trail.  The area west of Forest Road 150 remains in Ready, including the Rocky Canyon Campground. 

SET – Area 3: No Change:  Areas in Sierra County, including Winston and Chloride.  

READY – Area 8: New:  Area beginning at the south end of Area 7, four miles south, then east approximately 27 miles. The area now includes Victorio Park Mountain, Flagpole Mountain, and Pack Trail.  Several areas have been evacuated or are in evacuation readiness.  

The sheriffs of Grant, Catron, and Sierra counties are using the Ready, Set, Go program to notify residents of evacuation status. For detailed information on Ready, Set, Go! New Mexico, visit https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/. 

Weather: A large trough of low pressure will remain over the fire area through Wednesday. This will continue to bring cooler temperatures and light southwest to westerly winds at 10-15mph and gusts up to 25mph. 

Road Closures: Highway 59, is closed from the 59/52 intersections west to the 59/150 intersection, as well as portions of Forest Road 150 (aka North Star Mesa Road or Wall Lake Road) to the public. I-25 and other state highways remain open.  

Smoke: Southwest winds will push smoke to the northeast. Also, smoke impacts from the Bear Trap Fire will cause Magdalena and Socorro to see average periods of moderate air quality with possible times of unhealthy for sensitive groups (USG). Areas south of the Bear Fire we will see good air quality for most of the day. Winds out of the southwest 12-17 mph gusts 25 mph.  Visit https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/63a6f2d8? for additional information.  

Aviation Restrictions: Airtankers, helicopters, and water scoopers are assisting firefighters’ suppression efforts. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Black Fire to allow official aviation resources to operate safely.  

Fire Restrictions: The Gila National Forest entered Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m., Thursday, May 19, 2022. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/gila/alerts-notices/?aid=73002. The New Mexico State Forester has implemented statewide fire restrictions. Information is available at https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/find-current-fire-restrictions/.   

More Information: 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8103/ 

New Mexico Fire information: https://nmfireinfo.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GilaNForest 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gilanforest  

 Evacuations on the Black Fire Expand 

Afternoon Update 5/21/2022 3:00 p.m. 

Announcement: Effective immediately, additional evacuations have been implemented due to the Black Fire.   

Evacuations:  In coordination with Grant, Catron, and Sierra counties, the following areas are under evacuation status:    

GO – Area 2:  New:  A portion of Area 1 is now in go, including Taylor Ranch and Alexander Peak.  The line extends north along the Titanic Road, then east approximately eight miles before heading southeast, tying back into Area 2. The rest of Area 2 remains in Go.  The rest of Area 1 remains in Set, and encompasses parts of Catron and Sierra Counties, including Beaverhead and Poverty Creek. 

GO – Area 6: Change:  Area 6 east of Forest Road 150 is now in Go.  The area west of Forest Road 150 remains in set.  This area is in Grant County.  

GO – Area 4: No Change: Areas in Sierra County, including Hermosa and Mud Spring Mountain.   

GO – Area 5: No Change:  Areas in Grant County, including 150 corridor 1.5 south of Tom Moore Trailhead.  

SET: Area 7: Change:  Area 7 east of Forest Road 150 is now in Set and includes the Continental Divide Scenic Trail.  The area west of Forest Road 150 remains in Ready, including the Rocky Canyon Campground. 

SET – Area 3: No Change:  Areas in Sierra County, including Winston and Chloride.  

READY – Area 8: New:  Area beginning at the south end of Area 7, four miles south, then east approximately 27 miles. The area now includes Victorio Park Mountain, Flagpole Mountain, and Pack Trail.   

Several areas have been evacuated or are in evacuation readiness.  

The sheriffs of Grant, Catron, and Sierra counties are using the Ready, Set, Go program to notify residents of evacuation status. For detailed information on Ready, Set, Go! New Mexico, visit https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/.    

More Information: 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8103/ 

New Mexico Fire information: https://nmfireinfo.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GilaNForest 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gilanforest