The lightning-caused wildfire has now burned an estimated 9,349 acres approximately 15 miles east of Glenwood.
Source: Gila National Forest (via Facebook)
Photos: Courtesy
GLENWOOD, N.M. – Firefighters battling the Sacaton Fire in the Gila National Forest increased containment to 11% Tuesday after successfully strengthening firelines along the northern edge of the blaze, where the fire reached the footprint of the recent Hummingbird Fire.
The lightning-caused wildfire has now burned an estimated 9,349 acres approximately 15 miles east of Glenwood. Fire personnel assigned to the incident increased from 156 to 166, reflecting continued efforts to protect homes and strengthen containment lines.
Fire managers reported that crews continued improving structure protection in the Willow Creek Subdivision by expanding sprinkler coverage while removing hazardous trees along Bearwallow Road. Firefighters also assisted the Gila National Forest with the initial attack on the nearby Gilita Fire, a separate lightning-caused wildfire that was quickly contained through a coordinated response.
Although scattered showers brought light rainfall to portions of the fire area Monday, officials said most of the precipitation was non-wetting and fire activity remained active. Firefighters will continue evaluating conditions to determine whether defensive firing operations may be needed to protect the Willow Creek Subdivision while reinforcing contingency lines along Bearwallow Road.
The Willow Creek community remains under a GO! evacuation order issued by the Catron County Sheriff’s Office under the Ready, Set, Go! evacuation system. Residents are urged to leave immediately and monitor Catron County Emergency Management for updates.
The Gila National Forest also continues under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, limiting campfires to designated recreation sites with constructed metal fire rings. Open burning remains prohibited in the unincorporated areas of Catron County and within Catron County Fire District 30.
Officials said a Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the fire area and reminded the public that unauthorized drones can interfere with aerial firefighting operations.
Smoke from the fire continues to affect surrounding communities, with air quality varying based on fire activity and weather conditions. Residents, particularly those in sensitive groups, are encouraged to monitor conditions and limit prolonged outdoor activity when smoke is present.
Finding Every Last Hotspot: The Importance of Mop-Up
A post by U.S. Forest Service – Carson National Forest
Even after a fire’s perimeter is secured, firefighters still have important work to do. Mop-up is the process of locating and extinguishing remaining hotspots near the fire’s edge to prevent the fire from spreading beyond containment lines.
This work can include:
- Cooling smoldering vegetation with water
- Digging out burning roots, stumps and logs
- Feeling for heat by hand and using infrared technology to locate hidden hotspots
- Continuing to patrol the fire’s edge for any signs of heat or smoke
Mop-up is often one of the longest phases of a wildfire response, but it is essential to keeping the fire contained and preventing rekindles.
You may still see smoke during this stage, even when firefighters are making significant progress. In many cases, that smoke is from isolated hotspots being extinguished as crews continue their work on the Beehive Fire.
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