Dark, Divide, and Davis fires update for July 19, 2023
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 19 July 2023 19 July 2023
RESERVE, NM, July 19, 2023 – The Dark, Divide, and Davis fires are burning with low to moderate fire intensity on the Gila National Forest, Reserve Ranger District. All of these fires were started by lightning strikes last week. Incident Commander Pete Valenzuela assumed command of the cluster of fires Monday evening.
The Davis Fire, located north of Collins Park and east of the Continental Divide Trail, has grown to 177 acres (an estimate of 233 acres yesterday was adjusted down due to more accurate infrared mapping). Crews conducted burnout operations today southward along the eastern and western flanks from northern control lines. Ignitions assist with securing identified containment features by removing available fuels, creating a more effective barrier to fire growth. Crews will monitor Continental Divide Trail for users who could be exposed to fire as it moves across the landscape. The affected section of Continental Divide Trail is located east of Eagle Peak from Cox Canyon trailhead south to Bursum Road. Signs are posted north and south of the Davis Fire. Two Hotshot crews, one Type 6 engine, one dozer, one Fire Use Module and various overhead are currently assigned to the Davis Fire.
Heat Advisory continues 0719-072123
Upper Gila River Valley-Southwest Desert/Lower Gila River Valley-
Lowlands of the Bootheel-Southwest Desert/Mimbres Basin-
Northern Dona Ana County-Southern Dona Ana County/Mesilla Valley-
Including the cities of Cliff, Buckhorn, Gila Hot Springs,
Mule Creek, Lordsburg, Red Rock, Virden, Antelope Wells, Animas,
Hachita, Deming, Columbus, Garfield, Hatch, Radium Springs,
Las Cruces, Vado, and Sunland Park
127 AM MDT Wed Jul 19 2023
...HEAT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT MDT FRIDAY NIGHT...
* WHAT...Hot conditions with temperatures of 104 to 108 degrees
expected.
* WHERE...Portions of south central and southwest New Mexico and
far west Texas.
* WHEN...Until midnight MDT Friday night.
* IMPACTS...Very hot temperatures will significantly increase
the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for
those working or participating in outdoor activities.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The hottest conditions will occur today and
Thursday.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
Grant County Commission holds work session 071823, part 1
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 18 July 2023 18 July 2023
[Editor's Note: This is part 1 of a series of articles on the Grant County Commission work session on July 18, 2023. It begins with public input.]
By Mary Alice Murphy
The one and only person giving public input at the Grant County Commission work session on July 18, 2023 was Glenn Griffin, a resident of Grant County District 1. In July, the beginning of the fiscal year, commissioners each year discuss, and approve, sometimes with amendments, or disapprove the annual agreement addressing the work and financial plan with the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/Wildlife Services for the Integrated Wildlife Damage Management Program for the year. This agreement is for fiscal year 2023.
Costello awaits judge’s decision
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 18 July 2023 18 July 2023
By Roger Lanse
A pretrial detention hearing was held Tuesday, July 18, 2023, in Sixth Judicial District Court, Silver City, NM, in reference to Joseph William Costello, who was arrested and charged with an open count of murder in the first degree in the June 26, 2023, death of Stephen Timmons at the Dragonfly Trail System.
At a pretrial detention hearing, the judge decides, based on reports, whether the defendant can be released on pretrial supervision or held until trial.
According to District Attorney Michael Renteria, District Court Judge Jim Foy took the question of pretrial detention at the hearing under advisement. Renteria told the Beat that his office considers public safety above all else when making recommendations, and he believes their case against Costello to be strong enough to warrant him being detained until trial.
Photo Added: CLAY Festival national juried exhibition winners 2023
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 18 July 2023 18 July 2023
Thanks go to Karen Hymer of Light Art Space, which hosted the 2023 Silver City CLAY Festival national juried exhibition. She reports these are the winners. Photos Courtesy of Karen Hamer.
2nd place - Heather Kaplan, “But Really? Ideally…”
Low-intensity Tub Fire burning on Quemado Ranger District
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 18 July 2023 18 July 2023
Firefighters improving along roads, seeking opportunities to construct control lines
QUEMADO, July 18, 2023 – Among a spate of wildfires started by frequent lightning strikes over the last week, the Tub Fire was identified Sunday afternoon near Tub Peak, south of Mangas Mountain, on the Gila National Forest, Quemado Ranger District. It is estimated to be 25 acres in size.
Under supervision of a Type 4 Incident commander, firefighters are removing surface fuels along existing roads in preparation for use as containment features. Crews are also scouting locations to construct control lines where roads are lacking. Currently, two Type 6 engines, a Hotshot crew, and a fire dozer are assigned, and an additional Hotshot crew has been ordered.