FINAL UPDATE for WATER FIRE

FINAL UPDATE for Water Fire, May 2nd – 10:00 AM

This will be the FINAL UPDATE for the WATER FIRE unless there is something significant to report.

Jurisdiction:  USFS, Gila National Forest

Date/Time detected:  April 28, 2022 at 2:30 PM

Point of Origin Location:  T16S, R11W, NENE Section 10

General location:  3 miles east of the Wilderness Ranger Station and 6 miles north of Mimbres, NM

Cause:  Under investigation

Current size:  765 acres

Containment:  60%

Fuels:  Piñon juniper and grass

Fire Behavior:  Minimal fire behavior, mostly smoldering

Highlights: Firefighting resources include 6 Engines, 3 Helicopters and 2 Crews. A total of 73 personnel are assigned. Air Tankers are strategically staged at Air Tanker bases throughout the country during peak wildfire season. They are currently supporting numerous active wildfires in the NM/AZ region.

Today: Crews are working hard to secure the heel and head of the fire with good success. The west side is secured by a two-track road and so far, that line is holding. The east side is steep and rocky and vegetation is very sparse. The fire is demonstrating minimal fire behavior and is mostly smoldering.

Weather: Critical fire weather conditions are forecast for Monday through Tuesday. Relative humidity remains very low during the day, but some nighttime recovery is helping to moderate fire behavior.

Safety: Please use extreme caution when recreating in the forest. The smallest spark can start a wildfire. Drown campfires with water and stir coals until they are dead out and heat is no longer present. With very low humidity and gusty winds, a new wildfire can grow very quickly.

Summary: The Water Fire started on April 28 at 2:30 p.m. It is located 6 miles north of Mimbres, NM, on the Gila National Forest. Initial response by Air Tankers helped slow the fire’s spread significantly. The fire is now 60% contained. Ground forces, including engines and hand crews will continue their efforts to increase the percent of containment.

The Gila National Forest is planning to implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions later this week. 

Loretta Benavidez, Water Fire PIO, 575-323-1533