The Black Fire in southwest New Mexico 25 miles west of Truth or Consequences has grown to 228,312 acres. The movement over the last week has mostly been to the north and south.
The fire was active Friday with extended downslope pushes through drainages on the east side of the Divide, additional spread to the south through heavy dead and down fuels, and uphill runs and spotting across containment lines on the northwest flank.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect Sunday for low humidity and winds gusting up to 40 mph.
The firefighters are being led by a Type 2 incident management team, Southwest Team 3. The estimated costs to date are $16,100,000.
Evacuations are still in effect (more information) and one residence has been destroyed.
Resources assigned to the fire Saturday evening included 21 hand crews, 26 engines, and 6 helicopters for a total of 756 personnel.
I live in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.
My favorite place to hike and backpack was in nearby Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area. The Black Fire has decimated the beautiful area I cherished so much. Donald Melick
Hey Donald,
I hope I can put your mind at ease. From what I’ve observed of the fire’s effects on the fuels while working out here, much of the burn has been a low intensity. It’s true that some parts of the fire did burn very hot and reach into the tree canopies, but much of the fire only burned pine litter and grasses, leaving tree tops mostly untouched. Hopefully in a few short years you’ll see some pretty nice regenerative growth, and you’ll be enjoying the Aldo Leopold again soon!
Thanks for the report Tom. Always nice to get firsthand intell.
Are you involved in fire ops ? It sounds like it.