Black Fire: More than 1,000 acres burned in Gila National Forest

SILVER CITY, N.M. — 55 firefighters are currently fighting the Black Fire in the Gila National Forest and additional resources have been ordered.

Officials said the fire was discovered Friday evening, May 13, and is located off of the NorthStar, FSR 150 road, west of Meown workstation and north of Black Canyon. It is estimated at 1,041 acres.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Stage 1 Fire restrictions remain in effect on the Gila National Forest to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires. Under Stage 1 fire restrictions, igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes is allowed only inside a fire structure provided by the Forest Service within designated areas. Smoking is allowed only within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable material.