Floridas Fire Update – July 19, 2023

Floridas Fire Update – July 19, 2023

Location: 15 miles south of Deming, NM I Size: 437 acres I Containment: 0%

Personnel: 15 I Start Date: July 14, 2023 I Cause: Lightning

Fuels: Grass, Desert shrubs, Juniper trees

Deming, NM – As the Floridas Fire continues its trek across the rugged Florida Mountains, the size of the fire gradually continues to increase and is now at 437 acres. The fire worked its way towards the east and into a drainage bottom described by Rick Rios, Incident Commander, as an “open, rocky wash…free of vegetation. The fire basically ran out of fuel which stopped the fire’s spread.” He referred to the wash as a “natural barrier.” The southern edge of the fire slowly burned towards South Peak, a prominent high peak void of fuel, which resulted in another natural barrier that stopped the fire’s spread. As the fire advances into areas that consist of rock outcrops with minimal vegetation, the fire behavior diminishes greatly. Overall, fire behavior on the Floridas Fire is described as “low intensity.”

The Deming area experienced increased smoke and haze this morning, which is likely due to a combination of smoke from the Floridas Fire and drift smoke from other active fires burning in New Mexico and Arizona. Smoke generally lifts as daytime temperatures rise. Yesterday afternoon, one of the spot weather readings indicated 111° and 9% relative humidity. Weather forecasts call for hot, dry temperatures again today, with the chance for showers developing tonight through Sunday. Variable percentages for showers range from 20-50% over the next five days. Firefighters continually monitor weather conditions throughout the day and night, recognizing that changes in weather can adversely affect their work environment. They are trained to recognize and assess a variety of hazards associated with wildland firefighting and will take appropriate action to mitigate risks.

Evacuations: There are NO EVACUATIONS at this time.

Road Closure Status: There are NO ROAD CLOSURES associated with the Floridas Fire.

Smoke: Residents are advised to close their windows, especially at night. Smoke sensitive individuals who want to learn more should follow recommendations at NMFireInfo Smoke Management

Aviation Restrictions: There is noTemporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Floridas Fire at this time.

Daily Fire Updates will be posted on NMFireInfo

Floridas Fire Information:  575-323-1533 8 am – 8 pm; email Loretta_Benavidez@firenet.gov