Statewide Wildfire Notification 081123

 EMNRD-FORESTRY DIVISION

The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on several wildfires that are requiring the attention of state, local and federal resources in New Mexico. Intermittent precipitation throughout the state has benefited firefighting efforts. More is expected today and through the weekend. The Forestry Division will not issue an update over the weekend unless there is significant new fire activity.  

Hart Canyon Fire 

  • Situation: The Hart Canyon Fire is 17 acres and 10% contained. The fire received strong winds yesterday, but all lines held overnight. Today’s operational period will focus on getting water to portions of the fire, as well as mopping up and securing lines around the fire’s perimeter. The Hart Canyon fire is burning in Colfax County, north of Philmont Scout Ranch. The fire was started by lightning at 1:30pm on August 9, and is burning in mixed conifer and ponderosa pine.  
  • Resources: 49 personnel are currently assigned to the fire, including two hand crews, six engines, two bulldozers and air resources.  
  • Weather: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. 
  • Evacuations/closures: Campers and livestock from nearest Philmont backcountry camps have been evacuated. The fire is three miles away from the nearest structures.    

Sunset Fire 

  • Situation: Today’s containment percentage for the Sunset fire has increased to 70%. All fire lines continue to hold; the fire is in monitor and patrol status. The lightning-caused fire started on Saturday, August 5, south of Highway 70 between Capitan and Roswell.  
  • Resources: 50 personnel are engaged in response, including two hand crews, air attack and multiple engines from local and state resources.  
  • Weather: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Northwest wind around 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. 
  • Evacuations/closures: There are no evacuations or road closures. No structures are currently threatened. 

West Fire 

  • Situation: The lightning–caused West fire is 200 acres and at 30% containment. Yesterday brought no growth on the fire, and no smoke is visible from Highway 60. Fire continues to receive slight moisture. The West fire started August 1 on the Double H Ranch west of Magdalena, NM, on Aug 1.  
  • Resources: 12 personnel are engaged in response, including one hand crew and three engines.  
  • Weather: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 3pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. 
  • Evacuations/closures: There are no evacuations or road closures. 

Fire Weather Summary 

Moisture will increase today and into the weekend, bringing more widespread showers and thunderstorms. Storms today will favor areas along and west of the central mountains. Locally heavy rainfall will be possible over the weekend, along with an increased risk of flash flooding, especially at recent burn scars. Monsoon activity will continue into next week with the best coverage of storms across the northern and western high terrain. Temperatures will trend cooler, staying near to below average west of central mountains, above average in the east. 

  • Northern New Mexico - Isolated showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tonight, scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly between midnight and 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 40%. 
  • Southwest New Mexico - Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 73. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tonight, showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. 

Smoke Conditions 

Fire activity in New Mexico and other states is leading to increased smoke conditions. A daily Smoke Outlook for Northern and southern New Mexico is available through the U.S Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program.  

Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions. 

Internet / Social Media 

The public can continue to follow fires in New Mexico on InciWebNew Mexico Fire Information

New Mexico statewide Wildfire Notification 081123

The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on several wildfires that are requiring the attention of state, local and federal resources in New Mexico. Intermittent precipitation throughout the state has benefited firefighting efforts. More is expected today and through the weekend. The Forestry Division will not issue an update over the weekend unless there is significant new fire activity. 

State Managed Fires

Hart Canyon Fire
Situation: The Hart Canyon Fire is 17 acres and 10% contained. The fire received strong winds yesterday, but all lines held overnight. Today's operational period will focus on getting water to portions of the fire, as well as mopping up and securing lines around the fire's perimeter. The Hart Canyon fire is burning in Colfax County, north of Philmont Scout Ranch. The fire was started by lightning at 1:30pm on August 9, and is burning in mixed conifer and ponderosa pine.
Resources: 49 personnel are currently assigned to the fire, including two hand crews, six engines, two bulldozers and air resources.

Read more ...

Town Council Candidates Must Declare Candidacy on August 29

Two Seats Up for Re-election in November

Silver City -- Two Town of Silver City town council seats are up for re-election this year, and candidates must file a declaration of candidacy form at the Grant County Clerk's office on August 29, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.  Declaration of candidacy forms are available online at www.sos.nm.gov  under "candidates and campaigns,"  or at the county clerk's office. There is no fee for filing.

Town council district one is currently represented by Councilor Rudy Bencomo, who was appointed by Mayor Ken Ladner in May to fill the vacancy left by former councilor Lucien Farmer, who relocated to South Carolina.  District 3 is currently represented by Councilor Jose Ray, who has said that he will seek reelection, as will councilor Bencomo.

Read more ...

Freeport-McMoRan Investigating Cybersecurity Incident

To download a PDF of the release, please visit the following link: Freeport-McMoRan Investigating Cybersecurity Incident

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: FCX) is investigating a cybersecurity incident affecting its information systems. The Company is assessing the impact and proactive measures are being taken to address the situation. The Company is working closely with third-party experts and law enforcement.

To date, there has been limited impact on production. Transitional solutions are being planned and implemented to secure information systems as quickly as possible. FCX continues to prioritize safety and responsible production practices. A prolonged disruption could impact future operations.

Future updates for stakeholders will be available on fcx.com.

Read more ...

Chip seal operations will close NM 80 beginning Aug. 22, 2023

Motorists should expect delays

LORDSBURG-The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) District One office will be continuing a maintenance operation project to place "chip seal" pavement on NM 80 in Hidalgo County. The chip seal process is a surface treatment that is placed on the existing pavement. It is designed to seal out moisture and create a more durable surface extending the longevity of the roadway.

Beginning Tuesday, August 22, 2023, the chip seal crew will close NM 80 from Interstate 10 to NM 145 (Goat Camp Rd) for approximately 8 miles. A detour will be in place on NM 338. Motorists should expect delays and will encounter reduced speeds, flagging, pilot car operations, brooming, and lane closures. Work will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for approximately one week, once complete crews will then more the closure from NM 145 to NM 9.

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Brittany Alert– Deming Police Department – Ahmmad Alsabh

ahmmad alsabh copyDeming, NM – The following information is for the distribution of a Brittany Alert from the Deming Police Department. Please refer all media inquiries and questions to the Deming Police Department at (575) 546-3011.

The Deming Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating Ahmmad Alsabh (23) who is 5 feet 10 inches tall, 170 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing green pajama pants and white shoes. Ahmmad was last seen on August 8, 2023, at approximately 1:00 p.m. at his residence on East Burch Street in Deming, NM. His direction of travel is unknown. Ahmmad is known to be combative.

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Silver City woman arrested in Santa Clara on multiple charges

By Roger Lanse

On Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, a Santa Clara Police Department officer was dispatched at about 10:08 p.m. to 701 Aspen Street, in reference to an harassment complaint. According to a statement of probable cause, a Grant County Regional Dispatch Authority dispatcher told the officer a grey Chevy Silverado was just leaving the residence. The officer advised that he did see the vehicle leaving the address eastbound on Aspen Street then turning left onto Cleveland Street. When the officer activated his emergency equipment to attempt to make a traffic stop, the pickup accelerated through several intersections and a posted stop sign ending up at the eastern dead-end of Spring Street.

Read more ...

Wildfire Notification for statewide fires 081023



Good afternoon,
The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on several wildfires that are requiring the attention of state, local and federal resources in New Mexico.

State Managed Fires

Hart Canyon Fire
Situation: The Hart Canyon Fire is burning in Colfax County, north of Philmont Scout Ranch. The fire was started by lightning at 1:30pm on August 9, and is burning in mixed conifer and ponderosa pine. Air attack estimates the fire at 15-20 acres and at this time it is zero percent contained. Today, hand crews are working to secure lines set by yesterday's retardant drops.
Resources: 76 personnel are currently assigned to the fire, including three hand crews, six engines, two bulldozers and air resources.

Read more ...

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