Gila's Black Fire likely to surpass 200,000 acres over Memorial Day weekend

GILA NATIONAL FOREST - The Black Fire gained nearly another 12,000 acres within 24 hours, setting up the wildfire to surpass 200,000 acres over Memorial Day weekend.

As of the morning of May 27, the Black Fire is burning 191,459 acres of Gila National Forest land with only 13% of the perimeter contained. It is about 31 miles northwest of Truth or Consequences. The wildfire started two weeks ago on May 13 by human means, officials say.

The U.S. Forest Service said in their Friday update that “the Black Fire has over 200 miles of perimeter and is growing by approximately 15,000 acres a day.” Representatives of the forest service described the fire as “large and complex,” burning in “rugged, challenging terrain” making it difficult for firefighters to access.

Based on the rate of growth and the current acreage, it is very likely the Black Fire, the third largest wildfire in New Mexico’s history, will reach and exceed 200,000 acres over the holiday weekend. While still a ways away, the wildfire is fast approaching the size of the 2012 Whitewater-Baldy Fire that burned more than 297,000 acres of Gila forest land.

More on historic NM fires: Two of the largest wildfires in New Mexico history are burning right now. Here's a look at the 10 largest.

Fire activity remained active Thursday on the Black Fire, particularly due to north-blowing winds. Crews reportedly executed firing operations to reduce the amount of unburned fuel north of the fire in an effort to reduce its severity as it continues to grow in that direction.

Activity is expected to increase Friday with hot, dry winds blowing from the west and southwest. However, the fire is burning in and around the 2013 Silver Fire burn scar and previous prescribed fires, which means there is less available unburned fuel in certain areas. Firefighters plan to continue patrolling and securing containment lines as well as chipping slash and debris from fireline construction. Aerial resources will continue water and fire-retardant drops when safe to do so.

Red flag weather conditions are forecasted for the area over Memorial Day weekend with temperature highs in the high 80s to low 90s. Minimum relative humidity will likely be in the single digits.

Heavy smoke will settle in low-lying and drainage areas Friday. Winds will help clear smoke Saturday. Magdalena, Socorro, Winston, Chloride, T or C, Caballo, the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Mimbres and Silver City will all experience impacts to air quality due to smoke. AQI will range from good and moderate to unhealthy and hazardous in these areas. AQI can be tracked online at fire.airnow.gov.

Grant, Catron and Sierra county sheriff offices announced evacuations for areas near the fire. Ready, Set, Go evacuation statuses include:

GO –

• Area 1: The area runs from Burnt Cabin west along the south side of NM Highway 59 to the junction with Forest Road 150, then south along the east side of Forest Road 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 the Forest Road 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 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.

Highway 59 remains closed at the junction with Forest Road 46 near Mud Hole. Poverty Creek residents are able to access their properties from this route. Highway 59 is also closed from Mud Hole west to the intersection of 59/150 as well as where the state highway intersects Mimbres Trail. Larger closures are currently under review due to the continued growth of the fire.

The temporary flight restriction for civilians remains in effect to allow aerial teams to assist in containment.

Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, LRomero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.

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