Rico Fire Update – June 25, 2023
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 25 June 2023 25 June 2023
Rico Fire Update – June 25, 2023
Location: ¼ mile NW of Pinos Altos, NM I Size: 421 acres I Containment: 50% I Personnel: 179
Start Date: June 20, 2023 I Cause: Under investigation I Fuels: Slash, timber and brush
SILVER CITY, NM, June 25, 2023 – As of last night, firefighters had reached 50% containment. Work to contain the fire continued through the night and steady progress is being made. Today’s Public Information Map that accompanies this Rico Fire Update shows the completed containment line as of early this morning. Firefighters are also mopping up, where they will check for and extinguish hot spots that may exist in the interior of the Rico Fire.
Some of their work also involves “cold trailing,” where firefighters will often use their bare hand to detect heat, not by touching a heat source, but by simply feeling the sensation of heat from a safe distance. If a heat source, such as smoldering stumps, roots, downed logs and woody debris is found, they will extinguish it by digging it out and/or using water to douse it. These measures are necessary to ensure that any potential ignition source is completely extinguished.
Road OPENED: Crash in Cliff area closes US 280 at milepost 56
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 25 June 2023 25 June 2023
As of 1:01 p.m. the roadway is now OPEN
ROAD CLOSURE
CRASH – Cliff Area
US 180 southbound is closed in both directions from milepost 56 due to a motor vehicle crash. Motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and watch for emergency personnel, and equipment. Please use extreme caution and expect delays.
Pass Fire Update June 25, 2023
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 25 June 2023 25 June 2023
Pass Fire
Gila National Forest Incident Commanders –Billy Trujillo, Dustin Roper (t)
Information Phone: 575-388-8211 Hours: 8 am-4:30 pm Email:2023.Pass@Firenet.gov
Acres: 54,454
Location: 40 miles west of Winston, NM
Containment: 13%
Personnel: 79
Start Date: May 18, 2023
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber, pinon/juniper and grass
As expected yesterday, with drier conditions and gusty westerly winds, the Pass Fire moved through an additional 989 acres in the southeast portion near Green Fly Trail (26) and Burnt Corral Canyon, according to last night's infrared flight. Observed fire behavior is low to moderate, consuming small stands of piñon and juniper, downed logs, and dry vegetation. Fire crews including a hotshot crew are in that area working to upgrade and maintain existing trails and roads that will be used as containment lines to ensure the fire stays within the intended designated boundaries with the goal of protecting private property to the east and all values at risk. Additional growth of the Pass Fire is anticipated until a soaking rain event occurs.
CANCELED: Heat Advisory Extended 0626-063023 - 2
Southwest Desert/Lower Gila River Valley-Lowlands of the Bootheel-
Southwest Desert/Mimbres Basin-Northern Dona Ana County-
Central Tularosa Basin-Southern Tularosa Basin-Otero Mesa-
Northern Hudspeth Highlands/Hueco Mountains-
Southern Hudspeth Highlands-
Including the cities of Lordsburg, Red Rock, Virden,
Antelope Wells, Animas, Hachita, Deming, Columbus, Garfield,
Hatch, Radium Springs, Alamogordo, Tularosa,
White Sands National Park, Chaparral, Orogrande,
White Sands Range Headquarters, Crow Flats, Hueco Tanks,
Loma Linda, and Sierra Blanca
626 AM MDT Sun Jun 25 2023
...HEAT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT MDT FRIDAY NIGHT...
Canceled: Extended Heat Advisory 0626-063023
Upper Gila River Valley-Sierra County Lakes-
Including the cities of Cliff, Buckhorn, Gila Hot Springs,
Mule Creek, Truth Or Consequences, Derry, and Spaceport
626 AM MDT Sun Jun 25 2023
...HEAT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO MIDNIGHT
MDT FRIDAY NIGHT...
* WHAT...Hot daytime temperatures with afternoon highs 95 to 102
degrees. Morning low temperatures in the lower to mid 60s.
Rico Fire Update – June 24, 2023
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 24 June 2023 24 June 2023
Map at bottom of article
Location: 1⁄4 mile NW of Pinos Altos, NM
Size: 421 acres*
Containment: 20%
Personnel: 195
Start Date: June 20, 2023
Cause: Under investigation
Fuels: Slash, timber and brush
*Size: adjusted from 423 acres back to 421 acres due to more accurate mapping
SILVER CITY, NM, June 24, 2023 – As strong, gusty winds materialized over the fire yesterday afternoon, firefighters were able to successfully hold the lines. Containment remains at 20% and the current size is 421 acres, all within the jurisdiction of the BLM Las Cruces District and NM State lands. Overall, fire behavior continues to lessen and in most areas is described as smoldering. The number of personnel increased slightly, in order to ensure that adequate resources were in place for Friday’s wind event. “We were able to anticipate the need for additional resources and equipment in a timely manner. Everyone was prepared and engaged according to plan. To date, there have been no reportable injuries or illnesses and we will focus on maintaining the health and safety of all personnel assigned to the Rico Fire,” said IncidentCommander Soliz. He added, “We also wish to extend our appreciation to the public for continuously expressing their thankfulness and support. We relay those positive sentiments to the firefighters at every opportunity.”