Seven Springs Fire Mescalero Evacuations Lifted, Pinon Draw Fire Contained

The most recent update on the Seven Springs fire, which has now spread to 350 acres is that evacuations have been lifted. There are sporadic reports that the acreage impacted is larger than 350 acres. Mescalero Apache authorities have not confirmed an increase in acreage officially at this time. The fire is not spreading due to fire breaks and appears contained. The reason for the Seven Springs fire remains unknown.

The following resources were deployed to combat this blaze:

• 11 Type Six Engines
• 1 Type One Dozer
• 1 Type Three Engine
• 3 Water Tenders
• 2 Type One Crews
• 1 Type Two IA Crew
• 1 Short Module from Mescalero

An update on the Piñon Draw fire is there is no fire growth today. The fire break is holding it at 13.4 acres. Heavily grazed area and new green grass growth from recent rains is helping to keep it at bay. This fire was the result of a lightening strike per authorities. Resources utilized the county dozer today to improve an access road into the fire and were able to get pickups and type 6 engines to the fire line.

All county resources will be released tonight and all Fire Services resources will be returning to quarters tonight and back on the fire early tomorrow morning.

All county resources have been released from both the Seven Springs fire and the Piñon Draw fire for the night.

A crew will go back up in the morning and confirm the Piñon Draw fire is out.

As these fires in Otero and Lincoln counties are becoming manageable the fire risk from other New Mexico fires remain.

The trout fire 12 miles from Silver has burned 38,682 acres and is still zero percent contained.

Specific to the Trout Fire "Go!" evacuation status has been ordered for zones 1 - Lake Roberts, 2 - Thunderbird, 3 - Sapillo Creek, 4 - Bear Dam, 5 - Gila Cliff Dwellings, 6 - Bear Canyon, 7 - Cherry Creek Ranch, 8 - Indian Springs Ranch, 9 - Cooney Place, 10 - Mimbres, 11 - San Lorenzo, 12 - Santa Rita Mine, 26 - Lampbright.

The evacuations can be seen in green on the map below:

Those in yellow are in "Set" status, while "Ready" are labeled in red.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an emergency for the wildfire response in Grant County, near Silver City.

Residents are advised to please remain vigilant and stay alert for any increased fire activity in the area.

The Seven Springs Fire, burning on Mescalero Apache Tribal land, continues to bring heavy smoke creating moderate to unhealthy air conditions for sensitive groups in the area..

The village of La Luz, south of the fire, experiences unhealthy air through the afternoon for sensitive groups (children, older adults, active people and people with lung disease and asthma) should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

Weather forecasts show air quality is expected to improve later in the day into tomorrow depending on any changes in fire activity and wind.

More info on active wildfires in NM at https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/current-wildfire-information/

The 5-3-1 Visibility Method helps you estimate air quality based on how far you can see outside during a wildfire. While not everyone will have the same sensitivity to wildfire smoke, it’s still best to avoid breathing smoke as much as you can.

How it works 

·If it’s smoky outside pick some landmarks you are familiar with (mountain, mesa, hill, building, etc.) that are about 5 miles, 3 miles, and 1 mile away.

· If these landmarks are NOT easy to see in the 5, 3, and 1-miles ranges, you can decide what to do based on your health conditions and age.

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