FINAL Floridas Fire Update – July 21, 2023

Location: 15 miles south of Deming, NM I Size: 437 acres I Containment: 50%

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

Fuels: Grass, Desert shrubs, Juniper trees

Deming, NM – This is the FINAL NM Bureau of Land Management, Las Cruces District Office News Release for the Floridas Fire. The most recent reconnaissance flight over the Floridas Fire area identified a dozen wisps of smoke coming from very isolated areas well within the fire perimeter. The source of the smoke, likely the duff layer found underneath mature Juniper trees. Most of the available fine fuels, such as grass have burned. “Based on the limited fire behavior within the current fire perimeter, the fire is now declared 50% contained,” said Rick Rios, Incident Commander. Current staffing includes 15 personnel and 2 engines that will be actively monitoring and patrolling the area.

Due to the increase in fire activity in the southwest, Rios will also be overseeing a temporary staging area that has been established in Deming. Firefighting resources from outside our geographic area are temporarily being pre-positioned to a more centralized location in southwestern New Mexico, which allows for quicker response to new wildfires that are being reported.

In the event fire activity on the Floridas Fire does increase, fire updates will resume. The public is reminded to maintain situational awareness. Weather conditions have been extreme. A National Weather Service Heat Advisory remains in effect through tonight.

Evacuations and Road Closures: None

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: NoTemporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the Floridas Fire.

Today’s update is the FINAL Floridas Fire Update that will be posted on NMFireInfo

Floridas Fire Information (phone and email) will be deactivated at 4:00 PM today: 

Phone:575-323-1533 8 am – 4 pm; email Loretta_Benavidez@firenet.gov

For general information, visit BLM Las Cruces FB: https://www.facebook.com/BLMLasCruces/