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Published: 16 May 2014 16 May 2014

SIGNAL FIRE UPDATE
Friday, May 16, 2014 9 a.m.
Fire Information: (575) 388-8300

Acres: 5,740 Start Date: May 11, 2014
Cause: Human Location: 10 miles north of Silver City, NM
Containment: 35% Fuels/Topography: Timber, grass/rugged terrain
Total personnel: 647

Yesterday's Actions: The Signal Fire continues to be attacked with a full suppression strategy. Firefighters were intensely focused on the eastern portions of the fire. Extremely steep, rocky, rough terrain coupled with areas of dense vegetation, continue to challenge fire line completion efforts. A bulldozer was used to construct fire line for an anchor point south of Corner Spring. Structure protection personnel prepared for the protection of historic Allie Cabin and began structure assessments along State Route 35 in the Mimbres Valley. The remainder of the fire perimeter was improved utilizing direct attack tactics and mop up. This effort was intended to increase perimeter security prior to expected challenges from dry windy conditions this weekend.

Today's Actions: Crews today will be attacking the fire line directly. With the weather much drier and conditions unstable, the likelihood of ignition if a spark lands in dry grass will be 80-100%. The increased warmer temperatures are likely to increase fire behavior with more aggressive burning as the day progresses.

Weather: Today's weather will be the beginning of a period of critical fire weather that will extend into next week. Atmospheric conditions will be quite unstable today and the probability of ignition by afternoon will be 80-100 %. Temperatures are expected to continue to increase over the next few days with today's temperature expected to reach near 80 degrees within the fire perimeter.

Silver City, Pinos Altos, Gila Cliff Dwellings and local special events are NOT being impacted by the Signal Fire.

Information for this fire, including maps and photos, can be found at:
http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3864/
http://nmfireinfo.com