EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Hummingbird Fire, burning in the Gila Wilderness, showed significant growth in the past 24 hours, fire officials reported on Sunday, April 26.
The fire, which is burning 15 miles east of Glenwood, New Mexico, is now estimated to be at 2,018 acres. It was estimated to be about 200 on Saturday.
The fire remains at 0 percent containment. The Willow Creek subdivision was evacuated on Saturday.
Fire officials say there are 174 fire personnel on the ground, figthing the fire.
Firefighters continue to focus efforts on protecting “critical values” in Willow Creek, they said.
“Red flag” conditions and active fire behavior caused spot fires to cross established control features on the northern perimeter of the fire on Saturday.
Fire officials say three large airtankers, four single engine air tankers and helicopters were used to support ground crews in their efforts to suppress spot fires that popped up.
Firefighters continued to work overnight hold and construct new contaiment lines in the Willow Creek area.
Sunday, fire crews plan to secure spot fires that popped up and provide protection to the Willow Creek and Indian Creek areas.
For information on evacuations, click here.
A fire closure has been issued for the Hummingbird Fire area. Click here for additional information.
Red Flag warnings are forecasted over the fire area through Sunday with dry and windy conditions with winds 10-20 mph in the morning and then increasing to 20-25 by afternoon, with potential gust of 30-35 mph.
A temporary flight restriction has been issued for the fire area. That means this is a “no-drone” area. If you fly, that means firefighters can’t fly and use their air assets.
Smoke can be seen from multiple locations to include Willow Creek subdivision, Gila Cliff Dwellings, Gila Valley, Gila Cliff, Truth or Consequences and Silver City.
For real-time smoke conditions, click here.
Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect. Click here to learn more.