As Of 6/7, NM Black Fire (Gila National Forest) Nearing 293,000 Acres - 2nd Biggest In State History

[hatrack]

The Black Fire grew steadily over the weekend — gaining over 20,000 acres in size — and is on its way to being the second largest fire in New Mexico’s history. As of Tuesday morning, the wildfire had consumed 292,770 acres of mostly uninhabited Gila National Forest land.

However, fire crews increased containment considerably over the weekend, from 29% on Friday to 49% on Monday. The containment percentage stayed at 49% Tuesday.

Gila's Whitewater-Baldy Fire of 2012 was the state's largest before this year, having burned 297,845 acres. If the Black Fire burns another 10,000 acres, it will become the largest fire ever in the Gila and the second largest in the state's history. The Calf Canyon-Hermits Peak Fire in the Santa Fe National Forest surpassed 300,000 acres last month to become the state's largest ever blaze.

Flames from the Black Fire have been charring timber and tall grass since first reported May 13. The exact cause is still under investigation but is reported to be human caused. Over 800 fire personnel are currently working on suppression.

EDIT

https://www.scsun-news.com/story/news/2022/06/06/black-fire-nm-updates-gila-national-forest-second-largest-possible/7531344001/

[Delphinus]

1. I hope

things go their way soon and that the fire can be fully contained and put out.