Photo of red-colored aerial fire retardant line along the tree edge adjacent to structures within the Lockney private land. Photo credit: Nate Nozie

Silver City, NM; July 13, 2016 -  Fire crews continue to keep a tight hold on the perimeter of the Black Fire today, watching for burned trees that present a threat to the fireline and hot areas that can still loft embers into unburned areas adjacent to the fire. Early this morning, a few spot fires were discovered just outside the perimeter and were rapidly extinguished. Crews use a thorough process to detect hidden embers and hotspots both inside and outside of the fire perimeter called Gǣgridding.Gǥ Gridding involves fire personnel spreading out in a line while maintaining an equal distance between each other and walking a slow path along the fireline, searching for the smallest wisp of smoke or trace of heat. Crews walk a gridline to physically inspect every foot along the perimeter that may potentially threaten the security of the fireline.

Along with maintaining and improving defenses in the Lockney private in-holdings, crews are watching for hazards for their own safety, such as fire-weakened trees. With most of the Black Fire on steep slopes, the possibility for injury is increased. Incident Commander Nate Nozie puts safety above all else. GǣFirefighter safety is our first priority,Gǥ he says. Gǣand working on steep slopes like these make it critical that everyone out here be highly aware of their surroundings.Gǥ

Weather for the area is expected to remain hot, dry, and breezy for the next week. Afternoon thunderstorms are expected to bring dry lightning and outflow winds around storm cells. Crews will continue to deepen the fireline and cool stump holes and hot spots along the fire edge.

The Signal Peak Area Closure remains in effect and security is in place on the Signal Peak Road. Fire information boards have been placed at the Gila National Forest SupervisorsG