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Shelters: Cloudcroft VFD Station on HWY 82 stands open for current evacuations. A shelter was set up overnight at the Cloudcroft High School and the school is back in session.
Source: New Mexico Forestry Division (via Facebook)
Photos: Courtesy (Map Courtesy Google)
East of Cloudcroft, the Gail Hill Fire (or “Gail Fire”) is an estimated 235 acre wildfire that is 0% contained as of publication. Up to 100 firefighting personnel are available to engage this wildfire from the following resources: Forestry Division, Smokey Bear, Silver City and Sacramento Hotshots, Lincoln National Forest, volunteer fire departments.
The following evacuation notice went out around 6pm, last night: “Evacuation has been set for the residents that live between mile markers 31 -33 on Hwy 82 in Mayhill. Cloudcroft High School has been designated as the evacuation point”
New Mexico Forestry Update of Gail Fire (March 19, 2025)
Update: The Gail Hill fire is estimated at 235 acres and is zero percent contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The fire was discovered at 3:21 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, and is located 2 miles west of Mayhill, NM. Resources responded and engaged the fire into the evening and overnight. They made good progress using hand line and dozers to create the beginnings of containment. Today, crews will continue constructing and enhancing fire line and mopping up around structures. Additional resources are still arriving. GPS will be used to gain more accuracy on the fire’s acreage.
Weather: Currently 31 degrees, 30% RH, winds at 26 with gusts to 50 mph. Today, sunny, with a high near 50 degrees. Windy from northwest, 24-29 mph, decreasing to 18-23 mph in the afternoon. Gusts could reach as high as 32 mph. Tonight, mostly clear, with a low around 23 degrees. NW wind 12-17 mph becoming light west after midnight.
Evacuations / Closures: Structures were evacuated from MM 31-33, north of HWY 82. This area includes Hortonville and James Canyon Campground.
Shelters: Cloudcroft VFD Station on HWY 82 stands open for current evacuations. A shelter was set up overnight at the Cloudcroft High School and the school is back in session.
- Acres: 235 estimated
- Start Date/ Time: 3:21 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2025
- Cause: Under investigation
- Location: 2 miles west of Mayhill, NM
- Ownership: Private and Forest Service
- Structure Threat: Yes
Resources: Forestry Division, Smokey Bear, Silver City and Sacramento Hotshots, Lincoln National Forest, volunteer fire departments. Two type-2 dozers. Total personnel estimated at 100.
Containment: 0
Fuels: Grass, pinon/ juniper, ponderosa pine
