As with Colorado and other areas in the southwest United States, New Mexico is inundated with wildfires as the state reaches the peak of its fire season. Two major fires to keep tabs on are the Jaroso Fire and the Silver Fire. Fire crews have been battling both since early on in the month, but so far have made little headway.
According to InciWeb, the Jaroso Fire was ignited by a lightning strike on Monday June 10 at approximately 11:45 p.m. The fire is located approximately six miles southeast of Borrego Mesa, in the Pecos Wilderness north of Santa Fe. As of Thursday the blaze has burned through 10,167 acres of land and fire crews have zero percent containment on it.
In terms of fire personnel, there are currently 132 firefighters deployed to battle this blaze. The equipment being used includes 1 Type 1 hand crew, 2 Type 2 hand crews, 6 fire engines and 3 helicopters.
The New Mexico Fire Information Website reports that the most active part of the Jaroso Fire continues to be on the southern and eastern sides. In a bid on Wednesday to slow the growth of the fire, aerial resources were used to drop water on the eastern area of the fire closest to the Pecos River and fire retardant was used on the southern area. The fire is approximately 1/2 mile west from the Pecos River.
Authorities in New Mexico are urging residents that live in communities south and east of the Jaroso Fire to prepare themselves in case evacuations are ordered, which is a growing possibility. Officials say they are now worried about nearby campgrounds and houses since the fire is moving out of remote areas.
The entire Pecos Wilderness is closed to public entry for protection of human health and safety. Additionally, due to extreme fire danger and current active fires, the entire Santa Fe National Forest is closed to the public.
InciWeb reports that the Silver Fire was also ignited by a lightning strike that occurred on June 7 at approximately 3:00 p.m. The fire is located in the vicinity of Kingston - three miles west of Hermosa and 16 miles southwest of Winston. As of Thursday, the Silver Fire has engulfed 92,000 acres of land and is now 20 percent contained. 705 firefighters are working to put out the blaze.
According to the New Mexico Fire Information Website, extremely hot and dry weather and southeasterly winds have caused the Silver Fire to be very active today.
The fire has progressed significantly to the northwest over the Crest Trail and is approaching Reed's Creek. It has also slightly advanced to the west and has partially crossed over the Rabb Trail. Helicopters and firefighters on land are working hard to suppress where the fire has gone over the Rabb Trail.
Due to the intensity of the Silver Fire and the amount of smoke it is producing, helicopters are unable to be utilized on the north end of the fire.
Wind whipping through the area where the fire is burning is carrying heavy smoke out of the affected area, where it is settling in the Mimbres Valley, Silver City and other areas west and northwest of the fire.
At this time no communities are threatened by the fire, but officials are monitoring areas to the east by air for possible further developments.