Announcement:  NM State Highway 152 will be closed June 2, 2021, and June 3, 2021, while crews finish removing snags and brush; it will reopen at 7 pm on June 3rd.

Location:  The Drummond Fire is one mile south of Emory Pass and the Trujillo Fire is one mile south of the Drummond Fire on the Gila National Forest, Black Range Ranger District, Sierra County, NM

Start Date:  May 19, 2021                Size:  Approximately 501 acres                          Cause:  Lightning

Summary:  Fire activity was low yesterday as the fire received 0.95 inches of rain; hail was also seen in the fire area.  Minimal smoke was emitted from the Drummond Fire. 

Yesterday crews continued to improve the fuel break around the town of Kingston, NM.  Please continue to use caution travelling along the route as firefighters will be in the area monitoring the Drummond Fire.

An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) was deployed at Emory Pass to safely and successfully map the Drummond Fire perimeter and adjacent values at risk.  Please do not drive into Emory Pass Vista when the UAS crew is working there.

Today weather conditions will continue to be cooler and wetter as storms move through the area. Temperatures will decrease along with increased relative humidity.   Fire activity will moderate as storms persist. Expect little to no fire growth with cooler weather present.    

Objectives:  Currently fire managers primary objectives include minimizing the impact of fire and falling snags to firefighters, public safety for area residents, and protecting natural resources. 

Closures:  Black Range Crest Trail 79 – Closed from NM Highway 152 south to National Forest Road (NFRS) 886. Royal John Rd., Grandview Trail 146 – Closed from NFSR 523 Silver Creek Rd. to Black Range Crest Trail 79. Trujillo Trail 134 – Closed from Black Range Crest Trail 79 to Private Seven Brothers – Closed from NFSR 886 Royal John Rd to Black Range Crest Trail 79.

Smoke/Air Quality:  The New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1,  https://nmtracking.org/fire  has good information and guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.  Smoke will be visible and could settle into the canyons around Kingston, Hillsboro, and Lake Valley. It will also be visible on NM Hwy 152 and Interstate 25.  A smoke monitor has been installed near Kingston and is operational.

Fire information can be found on nmfireinfo.com or on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7494/.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website.

June 2, 2021
Announcement:  NM State Highway 152 will be closed June 2, 2021, and June 3, 2021, while crews finish removing snags and brush; it will reopen at 7 pm on June 3rd.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 1, 2021

Drummond Fire Closes NM 152

KINGSTON – The NMDOT and the Gila National Forest Service are closing NM 152 “Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway” beginning Tuesday, June 2 at 8 a.m. due to the Drummond Fire near Emory Pass.

The roadway will be closed at milepost 28, “Iron Creek Campground” to milepost 40 at Kingston. Detours will be in place on NM 152 to NM 61 and US 180 or NM 152 to NM 27 and NM 26 “Hatch Highway”. This closure is expected to be in place until Wednesday, June 3 at 7 p.m.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation is committed to the safety of the traveling public and appreciates your cooperation with this closure. For updated information visit: New Mexico Department of Transportation at www.nmroads.com or call 511. 

Tues. June 1, 2021
 NM State Highway 152 is open for through traffic, but will be closed on June 2, 2021, and June 3, 2021; it will reopen at 7:00 pm on June 3, 2021.

Announcement:  NM State highway 152 is open for through traffic, but will be closed on June 2, 2021, and June 3, 2021, while crews finish removing snags and brush; it will reopen at 7 pm on June 3rd.

Location:  The Drummond Fire is one mile south of Emory Pass and the Trujillo Fire is one mile south of the Drummond Fire on the Gila National Forest, Black Range Ranger District, Sierra County, NM

Start Date:  May 19, 2021                Size:  Approximately 500 acres                          Cause:  Lightning

Summary:  Fire behavior was moderated yesterday as clouds moved over the fire area increasing humidity.  Minimal smoke was emitted from the Drummond Fire. Fire behavior is anticipated to pick up as humidity drops and temperatures rise.

Yesterday crews scouted and improved the fuel break around the town of Kingston, NM. Please continue to use caution travelling along the route as firefighters will be in the area monitoring the Drummond Fire.

An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) was deployed at Emory Pass and Kingston to safely and successfully map the Drummond Fire perimeter and adjacent values at risk. Please do not drive into Emory Pass Vista when the UAS crew is working in it.

Today weather conditions are expected to become cooler as storms move into the area. Temperatures will decrease along with increased relative humidity. Fire activity will moderate as storms persist. Expect little to no fire growth with cooler weather present.    

Objectives:  Currently fire managers primary objectives include minimizing the impact of fire and falling snags to firefighters, public safety for area residents, and protecting natural resources. 

Closures:  Black Range Crest Trail 79 – Closed from NM Highway 152 south to National Forest Road (NFRS) 886. Royal John Rd., Grandview Trail 146 – Closed from NFSR 523 Silver Creek Rd. to Black Range Crest Trail 79. Trujillo Trail 134 – Closed from Black Range Crest Trail 79 to Private Seven Brothers – Closed from NFSR 886 Royal John Rd to Black Range Crest Trail 79.

Smoke/Air Quality:  The New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1,  https://nmtracking.org/fire  has good information and guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.  Smoke will be visible and could settle into the canyons around Kingston, Hillsboro, and Lake Valley. It will also be visible on NM Hwy 152 and Interstate 25. A smoke monitor has been installed Near Kingston.

Fire information can be found on nmfireinfo.com or on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7494/.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website.

May 31, 2021
Announcement:  NM State Highway 152 is open for through traffic, but will be closed on June 2, 2021, and June 3, 2021; it will reopen at 7:00 pm on June 3, 2021.

Announcement:  NM State Highway 152 is open for through traffic, but will be closed on June 2, 2021, and June 3, 2021; it will reopen at 7:00 pm on June 3, 2021.

Location:  The Drummond Fire is one mile south of Emory Pass and the Trujillo Fire is one mile south of the Drummond Fire on the Gila National Forest, Black Range Ranger District, Sierra County, NM

Start Date:  May 19, 2021                Size:  Approximately 500 acres                          Cause:  Lightning

Summary:  Fire behavior increased yesterday as stronger afternoon winds developed. Fuel conditions are prime with higher temperatures and lower relative humidity causing the fire perimeter to grow, which will also increase the volume of smoke produced. This smoke is mostly white in color, which indicates dead and down dry fuels are burning. Darker smoke will indicate green or pitchy fuels are burning.  

 Yesterday crews scouted and improved the fuel break around the town of Kingston, NM.  Please continue to use caution travelling along the route as firefighters will be in the area monitoring the Drummond Fire.

An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) was deployed at Emory Pass, and Kingston to map the Drummond Fire perimeter safely and successfully, and adjacent values at risk. IR(Infrared) mapping of the Trujillo Fire Area on May 30, 2021 showed no heat present on the Trujillo Fire. Please do not drive into Emory Pass Vista when crews are working in it.

Today weather conditions are expected to be hot and dry with high temperatures and low relative humidity. Fire activity will increase throughout the day and likely will continue to be active through the night with minimal humidity recovery.    

Objectives:  Currently fire managers primary objectives include minimizing the impact of fire and falling snags to firefighters, public safety for area residents, and protecting natural resources. 

Closures:  Black Range Crest Trail 79 – Closed from NM Highway 152 south to National Forest Road (NFRS) 886. Royal John Rd., Grandview Trail 146 – Closed from NFSR 523 Silver Creek Rd. to Black Range Crest Trail 79. Trujillo Trail 134 – Closed from Black Range Crest Trail 79 to Private Seven Brothers – Closed from NFSR 886 Royal John Rd to Black Range Crest Trail 79.

Smoke/Air Quality:  The New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1,  https://nmtracking.org/fire  has good information and guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.  Smoke will be visible and could settle into the canyons around Kingston, Hillsboro, and Lake Valley. It will also be visible on NM Hwy 152 and Interstate 25.  A smoke monitor will be installed Near Kingston and should be operation this afternoon.

Fire information can be found on nmfireinfo.com or on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7494/.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website.

Announcement:  NM State highway 152 is open for through traffic but may be closed in the future as needed for safety.

Location:  The Drummond Fire is one mile south of Emory Pass and the Trujillo Fire is one mile south of the Drummond Fire on the Gila National Forest, Black Range Ranger District, Sierra County, NM

Start Date:  May 19, 2021                Size:  Approximately 310 acres                          Cause:  Lightning

Summary:  Fire behavior increased yesterday due to drier fuel conditions, coupled with higher temperatures, and lower relative humidity. The fire perimeter continues to slowly grow, increasing smoke volume. This smoke is mostly white in color, which indicates dead and down dry fuels are burning. Darker smoke indicates green or pitchy fuels are burning.  

Yesterday crews scouted future containment lines near the town of Kingston, NM.  Please continue to use caution travelling along the route as firefighters will be in the area monitoring the Drummond Fire.

An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) was again deployed at Emory Pass, and Kingston to map the Drummond Fire perimeter safely and successfully, and adjacent values at risk.  Please do not drive into Emory Pass Vista when crews are working in it.

Today weather conditions are expected to be hot and dry with high temperatures and low relative humidity.   Fire activity will increase throughout the day and likely will continue to be active through the night with minimal humidity recovery. 

The Trujillo Fire still has not produced smoke, and crews remain observant for any activity.  

Objectives:  Currently fire managers primary objectives include minimizing the impact of fire and falling snags on firefighters, public safety for area residents, and protecting natural resources. 

Closures:  Black Range Crest Trail 79 – Closed from NM Highway 152 south to National Forest Road (NFRS) 886. Royal John Rd., Grandview Trail 146 – Closed from NFSR 523 Silver Creek Rd. to Black Range Crest Trail 79. Trujillo Trail 134 – Closed from Black Range Crest Trail 79 to Private Seven Brothers – Closed from NFSR 886 Royal John Rd to Black Range Crest Trail 79.

Smoke/Air Quality:  The New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1,  https://nmtracking.org/fire  has good information and guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.  Smoke will be visible and could settle into the canyons around Kingston, Hillsboro, and Lake Valley. It will also be visible on NM Hwy 152 and Interstate 25.  A smoke monitor will be installed Near Kingston and should be operation this afternoon.

Fire information can be found on nmfireinfo.com or on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7494/.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website.

Saturday, May 29, 2021
Announcement:  NM State Highway 152 is open for through traffic for the weekend, but may be closed in the future as needed for safety.

Announcement:  NM State Highway 152 is open for through traffic for the weekend, but may be closed in the future as needed for safety.

Location:  The Drummond Fire is one mile south of Emory Pass and the Trujillo Fire is one mile south of the Drummond Fire on the Gila National Forest, Black Range Ranger District, Sierra County, NM

Start Date:  May 19, 2021                Size:  Approximately 239 acres                          Cause:  Lightning

Summary:  Fire behavior yesterday was low to moderate with smoldering and creeping observed, despite the warmer and dryer weather conditions present.

Yesterday crews completed clearing dead standing trees (snags) and brush along Highway 152 near Emory Pass. The temporary road closure of State Highway 152 has been lifted, but please use caution travelling along the route as firefighters will be in the area monitoring the Drummond Fire.

An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) was deployed at Emory Pass to map the Drummond Fire perimeter safely and successfully.  Please do not drive into Emory Pass Vista when crews are working in it.

Today weather conditions are expected to be hot and dry with high temperatures and low relative humidity.  Fire activity will increase throughout the day and likely will continue to be active through the night with minimal humidity recovery. 

The Trujillo Fire still has not produced smoke, but we remain observant for any activity.  

Objectives:  Currently fire managers primary objectives include minimizing the impact of fire and falling snags, firefighter safety, public safety for area residents, and protecting natural resources. 

Closures:  Black Range Crest Trail 79 – Closed from NM Highway 152 south to National Forest Road (NFRS) 886. Royal John Rd., Grandview Trail 146 – Closed from NFSR 523 Silver Creek Rd. to Black Range Crest Trail 79. Trujillo Trail 134 – Closed from Black Range Crest Trail 79 to Private Seven Brothers – Closed from NFSR 886 Royal John Rd to Black Range Crest Trail 79.

Smoke/Air Quality:  The New Mexico Department of Health site also known as 5-3-1,  https://nmtracking.org/fire  has good information and guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.  Smoke will be visible and could settle into the canyons around Kingston, Hillsboro, and Lake Valley. It will also be visible on NM Hwy 152 and Interstate 25.  A smoke monitor will be installed Near Kingston and should be operation this afternoon.

Fire information can be found on nmfireinfo.com or on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7494/.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website.