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MIMBRES, NM, July 9, 2024 – The Ridge Fire is approximately 1,100 acres burning in the Gila National Forest, Wilderness Ranger District. One to two-foot flames lengths were observed yesterday as the fire burns in an old fire scar, moving through grass, needle cast, and dead and downed logs. Crews began assessing private residences as they plan for potential structure protection yesterday. Gusty winds and lightning in today’s weather forecast may hinder crews who have been conducting prep work on trails and roads that will be used as holding features in future operations.

“Currently, there are no area closures, but we anticipate some areas being impacted when the Complex Incident Management Team assumes command in the coming days,” said Silver City District Ranger Elizabeth Toney. “As always, firefighter and public safety is our top priority, and we advise the public to avoid the fire area both on the ground and in the air.”

Catron County Sheriff's Office is responsible for ordering evacuations, if they should become necessary. Catron County utilizes CodeRed for Reverse-911 alerts and notifications. Citizens may sign up to receive alerts on their landlines or you can add your cell phone to receive notifications as well. Visit the website and follow the on-screen instructions to sign up at https://www.catroncounty.us/government/county_sheriff_s_office/emergency_alerts.php

A variety of confine and contain tactics will be used to keep the fire south of Gilita Creek, west of the Middle Fork Gila River, north of Middle Fork Trail #151, and east of an unnamed ridge above (east of) Willow Creek Campground. This may include using hand tools to eliminate fuels along planned perimeters, hand ignitions, and other suppression tactics as changing conditions require to protect values at risk and bring low- to moderate-intensity fire out to control features and establish containment.

Smoke will be visible from Mogollon, Willow Creek, and Snow Lake, and is likely to settle into low lying areas during overnight and early morning hours. When smoke impacts are present, New Mexico Department of Health recommends that smoke sensitive individuals should reduce physical activity and stay indoors with windows and doors closed. For those who are unable to avoid smoke exposure, use of a particulate respirator mask can help. Additional air quality information and health protection measures are posted online at NM-Tracking - Fires, Smoke and Health. Real-time mapping of smoke and other air quality impacts is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov.

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