Iron Fire in Gila Wilderness at 77% containment
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Iron Fire, burning north of Silver City in the Gila Wilderness, is 77 percent contained as of Saturday morning, May 10, fire officials reported.
For the third straight day, fire officials have also downsized the estimate of how big the fire is.
Fire officials now say that the fire has burned 482 acres. The fire started on Sunday, May 4 and high winds that day quickly led to its quick spreading. Fire officials originally estimated the fire at 901 acres as of Sunday night.
The fire is burning in the Whitewater Baldy burn scar from 2012 and is about 40 miles east of Glenwood, New Mexico.
The size of the fire has been downgraded over the past three days as fire officials have gotten a better handle on its scope by using ground-based GPS mapping, providing a 'highly accurate and detailed representation of the final fire perimeter,' fire officials said.
'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,' fire officials said in their press release.
About 200 firefighters are still fighting the fire as mop-up operations are being done, fire officials said.
'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,' fire officials said.
Saturday, crews will complete mop-up in areas where infrared imagery from a drone has identified remaining heat.
All firefighting personnel and equipment are expected to be off the fireline and back at the incident command post by Monday night and will get ready for their next assignments.
Fire officials say the public should be aware of increased fire-related traffic in and around the fire 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 New Mexico Highway 12.
Motorists are reminded to slow down, turn on their headlights and use caution when traveling in the area.
Forest Road 141 will be closed at the San Francisco River Bridge starting Monday, May 12. Thisroad will be closed for several months and visitors should seek alternate routes on Forest Road 94 or Bursum Road.
For hikers on the Continental Divide Trail, the Snow Lake recreation area has been reopened for public use. Hikers, however, are asked to consider using alternate routes when possible. For trail access updates and alternate route options, please contact: info@cdtcoalition.org.
A temporary flight restriction remains in effect over the fire area. Unauthorized drone use poses a serious risk to aerial firefighting operations, fire officials said.Smoke has been minimal in recent days. However, as temperatures rise, there is potential forincreased fire activity and smoke production. Smoke may be visible from Mogollon, Willow Creek, Reserve, CP Anderson, and Snow Lake. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place on the Gila National Forest. For full details, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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