The Silver Fire is now 50 percent contained, but remains a massive challenge at more than 133,000 acres.
Fire activity is moderate. Precipitation was primarily on the northern aspect of the fire, and lightly on the south. The southwest side of the fire has been contained to the Raab Park Trail. In addition to the southwest perimeter, minimal activity remains on the east and south. Fire growth continues to the north, including the Reed’s Peak vicinity.
Update: Crews will be monitoring the perimeter of the fire. The Cooney structure protection is in its final stage, with only minimal work remaining. Fuels are expected to carry slower than previous days.
A total of 83 Gila Trout were successfully relocated to the Mora Fish Hatchery by the Gila National Forest and cooperators.
Anyone seeking information regarding the Yarnell Fire please contact: Mike Reichling at the AZ State Forestry Division (928-427-3347) or Carrie Dennett (602-399-3078).
Smoke: Much like Sunday, variable winds are expected near the Silver Fire. Communities of Mimbers Valley and surrounding areas can expect smoke from the Silver Fire intermittently at different times of the day as the winds shifts directions.
Additional smoke may be visible along the north and northwest part of the fire if the burnout operations are initiated. For information about health effects of smoke, including actions individuals can take to protect themselves, and guidance on distances and visibility based on location of current fires, please visit https://nmtracking.org/fire.
Weather: A high pressure system is moving south over the fire. With this system brings a greater chance of storms, anticipating much needed precipitation. Strong erratic winds are possible, with wind shifts out of the southwest.
Open Areas: Silver City, Hillsboro, and Winston remain open. Businesses along NM State Highways 15 and 35 remain open, all the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The majority of the Gila National Forest is open for recreational opportunities with Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect. For more information on restrictions, go to firerestrictions.us. There is an emergency closure on the Forest for the fire area. For more information about the fire closure go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila
Roads: NM Highway 152 is open as of 10:00 a.m. July 1, 2013 from Kingston to San Lorenzo. Although NM Highway 152 is open, there is a forest closure still in effect for some areas. Safety is still a concern, watch for domestic livestock, wildlife, rocks, fallen trees and debris. For additional information go to www.nmroads.com.
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