March 19, 2025
The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on three wildfires that are requiring the attention of state, local, and federal resources in New Mexico.
Gail Fire
Update: The Gail Hill fire is estimated at 235 acres and is zero percent contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The fire was discovered at 3:21 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, and is located 2 miles east of Mayhill, NM. Resources responded and engaged the fire into the evening and overnight. They made good progress using hand line and dozers to create the beginnings of containment. Today, crews will continue constructing and enhancing fire line and mopping up around structures. Additional resources are still arriving. GPS will be used to gain more accuracy on the fire's acreage.
Weather: Currently 31 degrees, 30% RH, winds at 26 with gusts to 50 mph. Today, sunny, with a high near 50 degrees. Windy from northwest, 24-29 mph, decreasing to 18-23 mph in the afternoon. Gusts could reach as high as 32 mph. Tonight, mostly clear,
with a low around 23 degrees. NW wind 12-17 mph becoming light west after midnight.
Evacuations / Closures: Structures were evacuated from MM 31-33, north of HWY 82. This area includes Hortonville and James Canyon Campground.
Shelters: Cloudcroft VFD Station on HWY 82 stands open for current evacuations. A shelter was set up overnight at the Cloudcroft High School and the school is back in session.
Acres: 235 estimated
Start Date/ Time: 3:21 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Cause: Under investigation
Location: 2 miles east of Mayhill, NM
Ownership: Private and Forest Service
Structure Threat: Yes
Resources: Forestry Division, Smokey Bear, Silver City and Sacramento Hotshots, Lincoln National Forest, volunteer fire departments. Two type-2 dozers. Total personnel estimated at 100.
Containment: 0
Fuels: Grass, pinon/ juniper, ponderosa pine
Pond Fire
Update: The Pond Fire is estimated at 97 acres and is zero percent contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The fire was discovered at 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18 and is located in Northern Socorro County, east of Bernardo. Numerous resources arrived on scene to find a running, wind-driven fire, but were able to stop the fire's forward progression. Today, fire crews will continue to secure and establish containment line where needed. With the expectation of high winds, the fire's containment remains 0%.
Weather: Currently 37 degrees, 26% RH, winds at 16 mph. Today, sunny, with a high near 56. NW wind 15-20 mph. Tonight, mostly clear, with a low around 18. NW wind 15-20 mph becoming light after midnight.
Evacuations / Closures: Evacuations occurred yesterday 2 miles north and east of the fire. Threats have passed.
Acres: 97
Start Date/ Time: 3:40 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Cause: Under investigation
Location: Northern Socorro County, east of Bernardo
Ownership: State
Structure Threat: Threat has passed
Resources: Forestry Division, Socorro County, numerous VFDs, BLM engine and dozer. Total personnel: 45.
Containment: 0%
Fuels: Grass/ brush
Milagro Fire
Update: The Milagro Fire is estimated at 600 acres and is 40% contained. The cause of the fire is a vehicle accident on Interstate 40. The fire was discovered at 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, and is located off I-40, east of Palma. Crews arrived and were able to attack interior hotspots, stopping forward progression, then transitioned into mop-up operations. Lines held overnight, and today crews will continue with mop-up.
Weather: Currently 36 degrees, 32% RH, winds at 14 mph. Today, highs near 53. NW wind 15-20 mph. Tonight's low around 22 degrees. Northwest wind 15-20 mph becoming light north after midnight.
Evacuations / Closures: None
Acres: 600 estimated.
Start Date/ Time: 2:40 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Cause: Vehicle
Location: North of I-40, MM 237-240
Ownership: State/Private
Structure Threat: None
Resources: Forestry Division, multiple county fire departments, State Police and local law enforcement. Total personnel 18.
Containment: 40%
Fuels: Grass
