Water Fire (Wildfire)

The Water Fire was detected on April 28th at 2:30 in the afternoon. It is on the Gila National Forest and is located about 3 miles east of the Mimbres Ranger Station and 6 miles north of Mimbres, NM. The area that the fire is burning in has minimal road access, however ground forces are being staged at strategic locations as the fire slowly progresses up East Canyon. Winds out of the southwest, accompanied by hot, dry weather, and drought-stressed vegetation (heavy to moderate loads of dead, dry grass with Piñon Juniper trees scattered throughout the area). On April 28th, when the fire was detected, aerial resources were committed to the incident and have been the primary resource for reconnaissance and suppression tactics. Air tankers are being utilized to help slow the fire’s growth by strategically dropping fire retardant, where it can help slow the fire’s spread. Additional ground and aerial firefighting resources are mobilizing to the incident.