3-19-2025 9:53pm

Gail Fire Burns 235 Acres in Otero County New Mexico

Chris Edwards Editor

The Gail Fire "go order" evacuations for residents north of U.S. Highway 82, between mile markers 31 and 33 in an area is near Mayhill, east of Cloudcroft in Otero County New Mexico has been lifted.

The U.S. Forest Service and Otero County fire crews responded. The Cloudcroft Fire Department said its community is not impacted by the flames.

The fire is estimated to be about 235 acres in size and is zero percent contained at this time and crews are continuing to respond to the flames.

Otero County Emergency services advise that if you are evacuating, the evacuation point is at the Cloudcroft Fire Department. It was previously said to be Cloudcroft High School, which is now back in session.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation and at this time eith winds thst have died down and cooler temperatures it is not endangering structures nor nearby communities, at this time.

The fire was discovered at 3:21 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, and is located 2 miles west of Mayhill, NM. Resources responded and engaged the fire into the evening and overnight. They made good progress using hand line and dozers to create the beginnings of containment. Today, crews continued constructing and enhancing fire line and mopping up around structures. Additional resources are still arriving. GPS will be used to gain more accuracy on the fire’s acreage believed to be 235 acres.

Check in with https://nmfireinfo.com/2025/03/19/gail-fire-pond-fire-milagro-fire-update/for the most up to date information.