Black Fire is now 179,534 acres — spreading faster than Calf Canyon Fire

The Black Fire in New Mexico continues its active spread over the southwestern part of the state. And latest data on the affected area indicates that it is growing faster than Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak Fires.

By the 2-week mark Calf Canyon-Hermits Peak burned area was at about 145,000 acres. In comparison The Black Fire is at 179,534 acres — on the morning of its 13-th day. If wildfire behavior doesn't change due to weather or containment, it could become the largest in New Mexico history by mid-June.

Thursday's weather will continue the trend of warmer and drier conditions, with temps forecast to reach 86-91 degrees. Crews will continue prepping and constructing direct and indirect control lines, and using point protection tactics to protect private property, critical infrastructure and other values at risk. Slash chipping will continue. Hand and aerial ignitions will be used where needed to strengthen protection of values at risk and burn out fuels between constructed firelines and the main fire. Structure triage assessments and identification of values at risk will continue. Nighttime UAS may be utilized along with hand ignitions.

Upper level high pressure ridging is beginning to build over the fire today as low pressure moves well east of the area. The winds became gusty during the afternoon hours with gusts to around 25 mph. High temperatures climbed into the low 80s with minimum relative humidity in the upper single digits. High pressure ridging will continue to strengthen over the area on Thursday and Friday with high temperatures around 90 degrees. The winds will be lighter on Thursday, but will become gusty out of the southwest on Friday. Minimum relative humidity will fall into the mid to upper single digits each day.

An upper level trough will approach the fire over the weekend, with gusty southwest winds expected. High temperatures will climb into the upper 80s on Saturday and Sunday, with minimum Relative humidity falling into the mid to upper single digits once again.

Evacuations Map (May 25 — Evening)