Front Page News
Wildfire Notification for statewide fires 081023
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 10 August 2023 10 August 2023
Good afternoon,
The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on several wildfires that are requiring the attention of state, local and federal resources in New Mexico.
State Managed Fires
Hart Canyon Fire
Situation: The Hart Canyon Fire is burning in Colfax County, north of Philmont Scout Ranch. The fire was started by lightning at 1:30pm on August 9, and is burning in mixed conifer and ponderosa pine. Air attack estimates the fire at 15-20 acres and at this time it is zero percent contained. Today, hand crews are working to secure lines set by yesterday's retardant drops.
Resources: 76 personnel are currently assigned to the fire, including three hand crews, six engines, two bulldozers and air resources.
Gila National Forest Wildfire Roundup
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 09 August 2023 09 August 2023
SILVER CITY, NM, Aug. 9, 2023 – Precipitation has moderated activity on many wildfires across the Gila National Forest, while lightning has sparked others that are being reported and checked. At least 10 new fires were reported to the Silver City Interagency Dispatch Center Tuesday. The following is a summary of fire activity:
Wilderness Ranger District:
The Turkey Fire is the most active wildfire on the forest currently. It is 9 miles northeast of Cliff and estimated at 5,200 acres with 0% contained. Most of the activity is on the east side and still may be visible when fire behavior increases. A Type 3 organization assumed command of the fire Tuesday. A dozer, grader, hand crews and several engines are assigned. Resources will focus on clearing existing trails and roads to contain the fire on the east end as well as road repair work into Forest Road 282. With predicted weather, crews will be monitoring very closely approaching thunderstorms that may impact the area. Road and trail closures are in place.
Multiple NM fires requiring multiple resources 080923
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 09 August 2023 09 August 2023
Wildfire Notification #14
Good afternoon,
The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on several wildfires that are requiring the attention of state, local and federal resources in New Mexico.
State Managed Fires
Sunset Fire
Date / Time/ Situation: All fire lines continue to hold, raising today’s containment percentage to 50%. Yesterday’s activity found one interior smoke and there was no precipitation. The lightning-caused fire started on Saturday, August 5, south of Highway 70 between Capitan and Roswell.
Resources: 50 personnel are engaged in response, including two hand crews, air attack and multiple engines from local and state resources.
Weather: Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. West wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Evacuations/closures: There are no evacuations or road closures. No structures are currently threatened.
West Fire
Date / Time/ Situation: The lightning–caused West fire remains at 200 acres and zero percent containment. Yesterday brought no growth on the fire, and no smoke is visible. The West fire started August 1 on the Double H Ranch west of Magdalena, NM. Fire behavior has been low to moderate backing, flanking, and interior torching.
Resources: 12 personnel are engaged in response, including one hand crew and three engines.
Weather: Scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Increasing clouds, with a high near 84. West wind 10 -15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Evacuations/closures: There are no evacuations or road closures.
Federally Managed Fires
Grant County Commission holds special meeting July 26, 2023
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 08 August 2023 08 August 2023
By Mary Alice Murphy
At a special meeting set up for the Grant County Commission on July 26, 2023 to amend the approved and adopted budget for the fiscal year starting on July 1, 2022 and ending on June 30, 2023; to hear the final quarter financial report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to approve the final budget for fiscal year 2024, starting July 1, 2023, the first item of public input drew more input than commissioners anticipated.
The first to speak was Rob Ramirez, a volunteer with the Cliff/Gila Volunteer Fire Department. "I was incensed when I heard that money had been taken out of our budget. We make a lot of out own tools. We were saving for a brush truck and cutting our budget down to $12,000 won't cover our fuel. We do our best and then we get raped. We are required to replace our trucks every 10 years, and we get thrown a bone. We have to save for years to buy our equipment. What you've done is morally wrong. I will fight tooth and toenail to get it back."
Multiple New Mexico fires requiring multiple resources 080823
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 08 August 2023 08 August 2023
Numerous wildfires throughout the state of New Mexico, including several in the southwestern portion of the state continue to require the attention of state, local and federal resources. Please see the PDF below:
Town chop saw reported missing
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 08 August 2023 08 August 2023
By Roger Lanse
A Silver City Police Department officer arrived at 801 Old Mill Road at about 1:10 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, regarding a larceny complaint. According to an SCPD incident report, a Town employee reported a Stihl chop saw with an orange blade missing.
The employee stated he was working just south of the site in the ditch area and left to go back to the shop for supplies. When he returned an hour later at 12:30 p.m., the saw was gone. The officer searched the area but did not find the missing saw. The employee stated he would try to get the missing saw’s serial number for the officer. The missing saw was valued at approximately $1,200.
Police hunt man charged with aggravated assault
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 08 August 2023 08 August 2023
By Roger Lanse
On Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, at about 11:54 p.m., a Silver City Police Department officer was dispatched to the Super Snappy at 1810 N. Swan Street in reference to an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
According to an SCPD incident report, the 31-year-old male victim told the officer, while he was parked in front of the Super Snappy in a blue 2016 Chevrolet, a male known to the victim and identified as Jesus Pedregon, 26, of Silver City, went to his white 2018 Dodge Charger parked next to the victim, approached the victim, and pointed what appeared to be a Glock pistol at him. The officer asked the victim if he was in fear of being shot. According to the report, the victim stated no, he "believed Jesus was a 'bitch' and wouldn't shoot him."
Missing Endangered Advisory – Grant County Sheriff's Office- Ethan Benavidez
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 08 August 2023 08 August 2023
Silver City, NM – The following information is for the distribution of a Missing Endangered Advisory from the Grant County Sheriff's Office. Please refer all media inquiries and questions to the Grant County Sheriff's Office at (575) 574-0100.
The Grant County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating Ethan Benavidez, (25) who is 6 feet tall, 180 pounds with brown eyes, and black hair. His clothing description is unknown. Ethan was last seen on August 1, 2023, in the area of 2320 US 180 in Silver City. His direction of travel is unknown. He may be in a white Ford Fusion with unknown plates. Ethan may be living out of his vehicle.