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Category: Front Page News Front Page News
Published: 04 June 2018 04 June 2018

Acres: ~100-150

Start Date: June 3, 2018

Cause: Under investigation

Location: Silver City RD, NW of Signal Peak Lookout

Containment: 0%

Fuels: Grass, oak brush, heavy dead and down and ponderosa pine

Total personnel: 140

Incident Commander: B. Trujillo, iCT4

Summary: The Meadow Fire is burning on Forest Service lands north of Signal Peak. Initial attack crews are responding for full suppression strategy.

Fire Safety Awareness: Aerial firefighting aircraft, such as air tankers and helicopters, fly at very low altitudes, the same as UAS flown by individuals, creating the potential for mid-air collisions that could seriously injure or kill aerial and/or ground firefighters. When drones are spotted over wildfires, all aerial operations are shut down until the threat is confirmed to be removed. Suspended air operations can cause wildfires to grow larger, and in some cases, unduly threaten lives, property and valuable natural resources. Individuals who fly UAS over wildfires may be violating federal, state, and local laws. Unauthorized flights over National Forest lands may be subject to civil penalties, including fines up to $27,500 and potential criminal prosecution. For information on current fire restrictions, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/gila/alerts-notices/?aid=46143 .

Smoke will be visible in Pinos Altos and surrounding areas. Smoke from fire rises up and away during the daytime, but in the evening smoke can pool back down in canyons, drainages, and basins. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health website at https://nmtracking.org/fire . Fire information can be found at nmfireinfo.com  and on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5823 /.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila