For Immediate Release:

Notification for Public Health and Safety

Ground Mapping Completed as Containment Increases

Press Release – Saturday, May 10, 2025

Acres: 482                                                                                                      Start Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025

Location: 38 miles east of Glenwood, NM                                       Personnel: 200

Containment: 77%                                                                                   Cause: Lightning

Summary: Ground-based GPS mapping of the Iron Fire has been completed, providing a highly accurate and detailed representation of the final fire perimeter. The fire has been mapped at 482 acres. Unlike aerial infrared mapping, which offers rapid area coverage, ground-based mapping allows firefighters to physically walk the fireline and capture precise perimeter data, enhancing accuracy and ensuring ground-truth validation.

Mop-up operations continue across the fire area, with crews working to a depth of up to 33 feet where conditions permit. This work involves extinguishing smoldering fuels, cooling remaining hot spots, and removing hazards to prevent re-ignition. Establishing this buffer zone well within the containment lines reinforces control efforts and further reduces the risk of fire escape. The depth and thoroughness of this mop-up, in combination with hazard mitigation, help ensure long-term security of the fire area.

Today, crews will complete mop-up in areas where infrared (IR) imagery from an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) has identified remaining heat. With containment now at 77%, personnel are preparing to backhaul equipment and personal gear from the wilderness. All firefighting resources are expected to be off the fireline and back at the Incident Command Post (ICP) by Monday night, ready to support new initial attack assignments on Tuesday.

The public is advised of increased fire-related traffic in and around the incident area. Fire engines and support vehicles, including two road graders, will be working along the 28 Road from Negrito Fire Base, extending down Bursum Road to Highway 12. Please slow down, turn on your headlights, and exercise caution when traveling in this area. Reminder: Forest Road 141 will be closed at the South Fork Negrito Creek Bridge starting Monday, May 12. This road will be closed for several months and visitors should seek alternate routes on Forest Road 94 or Bursum Road.

CDT Hikers: The Snow Lake area is open for public use. For public safety, consider using alternate routes when possible. For trail access updates and alternate route options, please contact: info@cdtcoalition.org.

Safety: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over the fire area. Unauthorized drone use poses a serious risk to aerial firefighting operations. If you fly, we can’t.

Smoke: Smoke presence has been minimal in recent days. However, as temperatures rise, there is potential for increased fire activity and smoke production. Smoke may be visible from Mogollon, Willow Creek, Reserve, CP Anderson, and Snow Lake. For real-time smoke conditions, visit: fire.airnow.gov.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place on the Gila National Forest. For full details, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts.

For more information:

Public Information Officer: Email2025.iron@firenet.gov or 575-323-8956, 8am - 8pm

Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmgnf-iron-fire

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GilaNForest 

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Información de última hora:

Notificación para la Salud y Seguridad Publica

Bomberos comienzan a cartografiar el terreno; Snow Lake abierto para el uso público

Comunicado de prensa - Friday, May 9, 2025

Extensión: 637acres                                                                              Fecha de inicio: Domingo, 4 de mayo, 2025

Ubicación: 38 millas al este de Glenwood, NM                        Personal: 183 

Contención: 45%                                                                                    Causa: Relámpagos

Resumen: El día de ayer, los bomberos iniciaron una caminata terrestre para evaluar el perímetro utilizando GPS y así mejorar los datos en la cartografía del incendio. Aunque el esfuerzo aún está en curso, el perímetro norte ha sido verificado y combinado con los datos de un vuelo de infrarrojos (IR) que fue realizado anteriormente. Basado en las evaluaciones actuales, se estima que el Incendio Iron tiene una superficie aproximada de 637 acres. Las escuadrillas de bomberos continuaran trabajando para completar la cartografía del terreno para finalizar la superficie aproximada en acres.

Una vez cumplidos los objetivos de supresión de incendios en las zonas de Snow Lake y Willow Creek, los recursos serán reasignados para apoyar los esfuerzos de ataque inicial o regresarán a su base para descansar y prepararse para futuras misiones.

Los responsables del incendio se encuentran monitoreando de cerca pronósticos de vientos para principios de la próxima semana, que podrían influir en el comportamiento del incendio. Debido a la presencia de numerosos árboles muertos en la zona del incendio, y para garantizar la seguridad de los bomberos, estos serán retirados de una manera estratégica de la línea de fuego antes de producirse el viento. Los recursos que permanezcan en el área del incendio estarán disponibles para ayudar en caso de que se inicie un nuevo brote de fuego en la zona.

Un sistema aéreo automatizado (UAS o dron) está apoyando actualmente el incidente proporcionando imágenes infrarrojas para ayudar a los manejadores del incendio a detectar los focos de emanación de calor restantes, especialmente a lo largo del perímetro en donde representan una amenaza para las líneas de contención. El piloto del UAS se coordina estrechamente con las operaciones aéreas para garantizar la seguridad del vuelo y evitar conflictos con las misiones en curso de los helicópteros.

Han sido reabiertos al público la zona de Snow Lake, incluyendo el campamento Dipping Vat, el embarcadero de Snow Lake y el sendero de Snow Lake. Se advierte a los visitantes que el personal y los equipos de extinción de incendios siguen activos en el área. Por favor actúe con precaución al conducir por las carreteras forestales: reduzca la velocidad, manténgase alerta y utilice los faros para mejorar la visibilidad.

CDT excursionistas: Para la seguridad del público en general, por favor evite entrar en la zona del incendio y tome en consideración tomar otras rutas cuando le sea posible.  Para más información sobre el acceso a los senderos, incluyendo las rutas alternativas, póngase en contacto con: info@cdtcoalition.org

Seguridad: Se encuentra vigente la restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR) sobre la zona del incendio. Los drones representan un grave riesgo para los aviones combatiendo el fuego. ¡Si Usted vuela, Nosotros no podemos!

Presencia del Humo: La cantidad del humo se ha reducido significativamente en los últimos días. Sin embargo, al producirse un aumento en la temperatura, se da la posibilidad de un aumento en la actividad del incendio y en la producción del humo. Se podrá observar el humo desde Mogollon, Willow Creek, Reserve, CP Anderson y Snow Lake. Para información actualizada de las condiciones de humo, visite fire.airnow.gov

Restricciones de Incendio: Se encuentra vigente la Etapa 2 de Restricciones de fuego para el Bosque Nacional de Gila. Para más información visite at www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts.

Para más información:

Oficial para Información Pública: Email2025.iron@firenet.gov o 575-323- 8956, 8am - 8pm

Datos del Incidente: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmgnf-iron-fire

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GilaNForest

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NEW BERN, N.C., May 9, 2025 – Firefighters continue to hold the Black Swamp Fire in Croatan National Forest at 950 acres, with containment at 70%. The USDA Forest Service is working in close partnership with state and federal agencies, including the North Carolina Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission and the National Park Service.

Crews are clearing brush and debris from contingency lines as an added precaution in case any flames escape containment lines. Infrared imagery that detects heat from the peat burning underground is being used to track fire activity. Crews continue improving roads to better access critical fire areas. Sprinklers, engines, and pumps are being used to deliver additional water to help suppress the fire. Currently, four pumps are in place and pumping over 57 million gallons of water per day towards the fire area.

Closures remain in effect for Black Swamp Road, the Black Swamp OHV area, Great Lake Boating Access Area and Sheep Ridge Wilderness Area, as well as portions of Great Lake Road, Seaborn Road and Holston Hunter Road.

Smoke from the fire can cause limited visibility and may impact local air quality. Please drive slowly and use caution on roads where smoke may be settling. Check for air quality alerts at https://airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/ or https://fire.airnow.gov. For the latest wildfire updates, follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook at U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina

Incident Commander: Richard Griffin (Type 3 IC) and Kyle Errecart (Type 3 IC Trainee)

Location: 15 miles northeast of Wisdom, MT in the Sawlog Creek drainage

Start Date: 05/01/2025

Cause: Undetermined – under investigation

Size: 1,412 acres 

Resources Assigned: 5 crews; 5 engines; 2 helicopters; 1 water tender; 3 skidgens

Total Personnel: 205

Containment: 30%

CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS:

Containment of the Sawlog Fire has increased to 30 percent as firefighters continue to make progress along the northern, southern, and western edge of the fire.  There is still some residual heat along both sides of Sawlog Creek with isolated hot spots remaining throughout the interior of the fire. 

Strategic firing operations are planned today for an approximately 200 acres “donut hole” located on both sides of Sawlog Creek.  This fire suppression tactic has the highest probability of success for reducing the unburned fuels between the uncontrolled fire edge in the high “dead and downed” fuel component. Firefighters may utilize a combination of hand and aerial ignitions with the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). 

On the southern edge, firefighters will continue to hold and secure the constructed lines, hot spotting areas of residual heat from the Big Hole River to the east working north towards Sawlog Creek. Over the next couple days, crews will work with heavy equipment to construct fireline immediately adjacent to the fire’s edge from Sawlog Creek north towards the Tucker Creek area. 

On the northern flank, smokejumpers and hotshot crews continue to work containment lines as they patrol the fire and mop up any hot spots progressing south towards the Tucker Creek drainage. A helicopter has been supporting the firefighters with cargo missions on the eastern flank of the fire.   

Crews will continue cold trailing and hot spotting along the entire western perimeter of the fire.  This work will continue in the coming days as they reinforce and improve the containment line.

WEATHER, FUELS, AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

The fire area saw some relative humidity recoveries last night with minimal fire behavior.  Warmer, drier conditions are expected today with an even smaller chance for showers or thunderstorms.  Breezy southwest winds could gust up to 25 mph in the afternoon.  There is a better chance for showers and a few isolated thunderstorms Saturday which may produce wind gusts of 35 mph or greater in the afternoon and evening. Another round of showers and thunderstorms are possible Sunday afternoon and evening with gusts exceeding 30 mph. 

Fire behavior may pick up today in the afternoon with the potential for thunderstorms, gusty winds, and low relative humidity. Fuel conditions, during this time of year (pre-green up), are extremely dry.

The fire is burning mainly in sagebrush and Lodgepole pine timber. The north-facing slopes in the area consist of a high “dead and downed” fuel component in a mixed conifer forest, and numerous “snags” or hazard trees are present. This fuel combination poses additional hazards for firefighters and affects on-the-ground progress.

Ensuring firefighter safety and protecting life and property are of the utmost importance during any incident.

The fire footprint from the 2021 Alder Fire is located to the east, and the fire footprint from the 2021 Christensen Fire lies to the south.

CLOSURES:

The Montana Fish, Wildfire and Parks has issued an Emergency Site Closure for the Fishtrap Creek Fishing Access Site on the Big Hole River due to fire activity from the Sawlog Fire. The site is closed to public use from Mudd Creek Bridge to Sportsman’s Park. 

For public safety reasons, the Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for the Sawlog dispersed camping area, located at the Big Hole River ford site. Specific closure language can be viewed on the Sawlog Fire Inciweb page, Closures tab.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been implemented over the fire area. This allows for firefighting aircraft to safely work over the fire area. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.

For Immediate Release:

Notification for Public Health and Safety

Firefighters Begin Ground Mapping; Snow Lake Reopens for Public Use

Press Release – Friday, May 9, 2025

Acres: 637                                                                                                Start Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025

Location: 38 miles east of Glenwood, NM                                 Personnel: 183 

Containment: 45%                                                                              Cause: Lightning

Summary: Firefighters initiated a ground-based GPS perimeter walk yesterday to improve the accuracy of fire mapping. While the effort is still underway, the northern perimeter has been verified and combined with data from a previous infrared (IR) flight. Based on current assessments, the Iron Fire is estimated at approximately 637 acres. Crews will continue working to complete ground perimeter mapping to finalize the acreage.

With suppression objectives accomplished in the Snow Lake and Willow Creek areas, resources are being reassigned to support initial attack efforts or will return home to rest and prepare for future fire assignments.

Fire managers are closely monitoring a forecasted wind event expected early next week, which could influence fire behavior. Due to the presence of numerous snags (standing dead trees) in the fire area, firefighters will be strategically removed from the fireline ahead of the wind event to ensure their safety. Resources remaining on the incident will be available to assist with any new fire starts in the area.

An Unmanned Aerial System (UAS or drone) is currently supporting the incident by providing infrared imagery to assist fire managers in detecting remaining heat sources, particularly along the perimeter where they may pose a threat to containment lines. The UAS pilot coordinates closely with air operations to ensure flight safety and avoid conflicts with ongoing helicopter missions.

The Snow Lake area, including Dipping Vat Campground, Snow Lake Boat Launch, and the Snow Lake Trailhead are now open to the public. Visitors are advised that firefighting personnel and equipment are still active in the area. Please exercise caution when driving on forest roads—reduce speed, stay alert, and use headlights to improve visibility.

CDT Hikers: For public safety, hikers are asked to avoid the fire area and consider using alternate routes when possible. For trail access updates and alternate route options, please contact: info@cdtcoalition.org.

Safety: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over the fire area. Unauthorized drone use poses a serious risk to aerial firefighting operations. If you fly, we can’t.

Smoke: Smoke presence has been minimal in recent days. However, as temperatures rise, there is potential for increased fire activity and smoke production. Smoke may be visible from Mogollon, Willow Creek, Reserve, CP Anderson, and Snow Lake. For real-time smoke conditions, visit: fire.airnow.gov.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place on the Gila National Forest. For full details, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts.

For more information:

Public Information Officer: Email2025.iron@firenet.gov or 575-323-8956, 8am - 8pm

Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmgnf-iron-fire

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GilaNForest 

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Portion of Big Hole River closed temporarily due to Sawlog Fire

Fish Trap Fishing Access Site also closed

WISE RIVER – An emergency closure is in effect for a portion of the Big Hole River due to the Sawlog Fire.

The portion of the Big Hole River from Mud Creek Bridge downstream to Sportsman’s Park Fishing Access Site is closed to all recreation. Fish Trap Fishing Access Site is also closed. Sportsman’s Park Fishing Access Site remains open.

These closures are for public safety during fire suppression operations, which may include bucket drops happening in and close to the Big Hole River. The closures will be lifted as soon as conditions allow.

For more information about site restrictions and closures, click here. 

-fwp-

Información de última hora:

Notificación para la Salud y Seguridad Publica

El incendio ha sido cartografiado mientras las cuadrillas completaban la línea de contención

Comunicado de Prensa - jueves, 8 de mayo de 2025

Acres: 822                                                                                                 Fecha de Inicio: Domingo, 4 de mayo del 2025

Ubicación: 38 millas al Este de Glenwood, NM                         Personal: 182 

Contención: 10%                                                                                    Causa: Relámpagos

Resumen: Después de varios días con la presencia de la humedad sobre la zona del incendio, se ha realizado un vuelo infrarrojo (IR) para cartografiar el perímetro de este e identificar las zonas remanentes con emanación de calor. Basados en la precisión de la cartografía, podemos decir que el tamaño estimado del incendio se ha reducido a 822 acres. El Vuelo IR también confirmó que el calor permanece en toda la zona del incendio.

Las escuadrillas especializadas para la extinción de incendios que se encuentran trabajando a lo largo del borde del incendio han completado la calculación del perímetro del incendio utilizando una combinación de tácticas directas en la línea del incendio. Al lograr este objetivo, las cuadrillas han sido movilizadas para limpiar los puntos de emanación de calor a lo largo de la línea de fuego y de esta forma reducir la posibilidad de propagación. Este trabajo continuará en los próximos días mientras se refuerzan y mejoran la línea de contención.

Los camiones de bomberos continúan apoyando las operaciones de evaluación de la infraestructura alrededor de la zona de Willow Creek y están terminando de crear un plan de contingencia en caso de que cambien las condiciones. Se ha pronosticado un aumento en las temperaturas para los próximos días, lo que podría incrementar el comportamiento del fuego y dificultar las labores de contención, esta situación requerirá de una vigilancia continua por parte de los equipos trabajando sobre el terreno.

Este será el último reporte matutino del incendio. Mientras que los equipos de bomberos y demás recursos siguen asignados al incidente en la próxima semana, los reportes serán dados según sea necesario. A medida que se sigan cumpliendo los objetivos para este incidente, los recursos serán reasignados de una manera estratégica para apoyar el ataque inicial de posibles nuevos incendios.

CDT excursionistas: Para la seguridad del público en general, por favor evite entrar en la zona del incendio. Para más información sobre el acceso a los senderos, incluyendo las rutas alternativas, póngase en contacto con: info@cdtcoalition.org

Cierres Temporales: Para la seguridad del público en general, el área de Snow Lake, incluyendo el campamento de Dipping Vat, el embarcadero de Snow Lake y el sendero de Snow Lake se encuentran temporalmente cerrados. 

Seguridad: Se encuentra vigente la restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR) sobre la zona del incendio. Los drones representan un grave riesgo para los aviones combatiendo el fuego. ¡Si Usted vuela, Nosotros no podemos!

Presencia del Humo: La cantidad del humo se ha reducido significativamente en los últimos días. Al producirse un aumento en la temperatura, se da la posibilidad de un aumento en la actividad del incendio y en la producción del humo. Podría verse el humo desde Mogollon, Willow Creek, Reserve, CP Anderson y Snow Lake. Para información actualizada de las condiciones de humo, visite el mapa interactivo de humo en fire.airnow.gov

Restricciones de Incendio: Se encuentra vigente la Etapa 2 de Restricciones de fuego para el Bosque Nacional de Gila. Para más información visite at www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts.

Para más información:

Oficial para Información Pública: Email 2025.iron@firenet.gov o 575-323- 8956, 8am - 8pm

Datos del Incidente: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmgnf-iron-fire

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GilaNForest 

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