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Published: 16 May 2022 16 May 2022

Map showing perimeter of Black Fire Click here for full sizeĀ 

2022 05 16 09.59.17.081 cdt
The Black Fire has grown to 18,762 acres and is expected to have another large growth day, due to continued low humidity and wind. The fire that had spread to the east of Forest Road 150 near Meown and a new spot fire north of Meown have established in South Diamond Creek, with both making significant runs yesterday to the east and north. Due to extremely low humidity active burning continued through the night. The fire is expected to continue to burn towards the Black range crest in the Sheep Mountain and Diamond Peak area. A Southwest Type 2 Incident Management Team has begun mobilizing to take over management of the firefighting operation.

Crews' focus today will be containing fire west of Forest Road 150 in the Links ranch area and securing the southern edge, keeping the fire out of Black Canyon. Large volumes of smoke and columns will be visible in the Rio Grande Valley especially in the nearby communities of Winston and Poverty Creek. Smoke is also visible from the Mimbres Valley, Gila River Valley and Silver City.

The fire is 100% suppression strategy utilizing direct, indirect and point protection strategies with ground and aerial resources.

SAFETY

As of May 5, the Gila National Forest has implemented STAGE 1 fire restrictions across the entire forest. More information can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xudPe

CLOSURES

The fire has crossed Forest Service Road 150 north of Forest Trail 716, east of Forest Trail 713 and south of 609 Links Ranch Road. As a result, a partial closure is in effect for portions of Forest Road 150 and for Forest Service Trails 708, 713, and 716.

WEATHER

Above-normal temperatures and critically low relative humidity are expected to continue today. Breezy southwest winds are expected to return but are forecast to remain below critical thresholds. Humidity has remained very low overnight, resulting in increased fire activity overnight.

Incident Information
Basic Information

Current as of 5/16/2022, 8:55:24 AM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Undetermined
Date of Origin Friday May 13th, 2022 approx. 09:30 PM
Location 24 miles N of Mimbres
Incident Commander Aaron Jones
Incident Description Wildfire
Coordinates 33.204 latitude, -108.059 longitude
Current Situation

Total Personnel 141
Size 18,762 Acres
Estimated Containment Date Tuesday May 31st, 2022 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved
Timber, Tall Grass

Significant Events
Active flanking, single tree torching

Outlook

Planned Actions
Continue to prep Forest Road 150, Trail 716 to trail 713, Forest Road 609 to the Links Ranch Road. Continue structure protection at Links Ranch and Diamond Bar Ranch.

Projected Incident Activity
Firefighting aircraft are working to slow the fire progression and give ground resources an opportunity to secure holding lines along roads and trails.

Current Weather

Weather Concerns
Exceptionally dry weather today with relative humidity of 2 to 5 percent and no overnight humidity recovery. Hazy skies along the Rio Grande Valley and Lincoln National Forest this morning due to nearby fires. The haze should lift by midday with light southwest winds.

Above normal temperatures and critically low relative humidity will continue through the weekend and into next week. Breezy southwest winds return Monday, but are expected to remain below critical thresholds.