Hummingbird Fire Containment Improves to 17%; Evacuation Level Reduced for Willow Creek

Containment on the Hummingbird Fire increased to 17% Sunday as cooler conditions and scattered thunderstorms helped slow fire activity in the Gila Wilderness.

Fire officials estimate the blaze at 5,650 acres, with approximately 230 personnel assigned. The lightning-caused fire, which began April 20, continues to burn about 15 miles east of Glenwood.

Fire Activity Moderates

Crews made progress securing containment features along the Willow Creek Trail, while measurable precipitation from isolated thunderstorms helped moderate fire behavior. Despite the slowdown, officials noted that pockets of heat remainwithin the fire footprint.

5PM Sunday, May 3, 2026: Firefighters also continued preparing indirect contingency lines along Bursum Road and Bearwallow Road, clearing brush and removing hazardous trees to protect critical areas should fire activity increase.

Evacuation Level Downgraded

In a significant update Sunday evening, the Catron County Sheriff’s Office reduced the evacuation status for the Willow Creek Subdivision from Level 3 “GO” to Level 2 “SET.”

Level 2 status indicates residents should remain prepared to evacuate if conditions change, but may stay in place for now.

Ongoing Operations and Conditions

Crews are beginning to backhaul excess structure protection equipment from the Willow Creek area while continuing line preparation efforts.

Weather conditions are expected to remain relatively mild, with higher humidity and light winds, though a slight chance of additional afternoon thunderstorms remains.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire area, and officials continue to remind the public that drones are prohibited: If you fly, firefighters can’t.

Closures and Public Information

A forest closure remains in effect around the Hummingbird Fire. Smoke may be visible from surrounding areas, including the Gila Valley, Truth or Consequences and Silver City.

For continued updates, officials direct the public to NMFireInfo, InciWeb and Gila National Forest channels.