TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NM, July 14, 2024 – The Gila National Forest is continuing operations today on the Paramount Fire, near milepost 20 of New Mexico Highway 59 on Black Range Ranger District, about 19 miles west of Winston, New Mexico. Crews have completed ignitions along the perimeter, establishing a fire footprint of approximately 1,335-acres.

Fire behavior is moderate, with fire creeping, backing, and smoldering. Firefighters will mop up residual heat along the fire's perimeter to secure and hold the fire within established containment lines.

"We saw excellent consumption over most of the fire and it is creeping and smoldering in the interior today. Some small interior pockets may need to be cleaned up with limited hand ignitions," said Black Range District Ranger Bret Mellott. "Any smoke produced today should be fairly minimal."

Temperatures are expected to be in the 80s today with east winds 7 to 10 miles per hour, gusting to 20. Scattered thunderstorms are predicted, with stronger chances of rain on Monday.

Smoke should be minimal, but may impact the communities of Winston and Chloride and is likely to settle into low lying areas during overnight and early morning hours. When smoke impacts are present, New Mexico Department of Health recommends that smoke sensitive individuals should reduce physical activity and stay indoors with windows and doors closed. For those who are unable to avoid smoke exposure, use of a particulate respirator mask can help. Additional air quality information and health protection measures are posted online at NM-Tracking - Fires, Smoke and Health. Real-time mapping of smoke and other air quality impacts is available at https://fire.airnow.gov /. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov.