As of Monday, the Bear Trap Fire is 98 percent con­tained, and firefighting operations are in suppression mode.

The Bear Trap Fire was reported as 100 acres on May 1 in Bear Trap Canyon, about 22 miles southwest of Magdalena. Over the last month, the fire has consumed 38,225 acres in the heart of the San Mateo Mountains in southwestern Socorro County.

As of Friday, Cibola National Forest reported that sup­pression repair completion is at 85 percent. Road closures in the San Mateos are still in effect, and the Magdalena Ranger District is still under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.

Southeast of the Bear Trap Fire, the Black Fire in Gila National Forest has consumed 287,283 acres, and con­tainment as of Monday is 49 percent.

The Black Fire, 31 miles west of Truth or Consequences, is being fought by 833 firefighters.

Gila National Forest said on Monday that “firefight­ers’ hard work around the clock has resulted in increased contain­ment on the northeast and north­west corners of the Black Fire.”

The most active part of the fire remains along the southeast­ern edges. A hotshot crew hiked into the Rabb Park area to build a hand line along the trail system.

Although the Black Fire has claimed two structures, firefight­ers have placed aluminum wrap on the Wright’s, Noon Day cabins and Hillsboro Peak Lookout to protect those structures.

More firefighters are working in the Kingston area, and a tem­porary fire spike camp has been established in Kingston. Therefore, fire traffic has increased along Highway 152, and forest officials remind the public to use extra cau­tion if driving in that area.

Interstate 25 and other state highways remain open. A portion of the Gila National Forest affect­ed by the fire has been closed.

A temporary flight restriction over the Black Fire restricts non-fire aircraft. This includes civil­ian drones. Unauthorized aircraft in the area can ground firefight­ing aircraft, hinder firefighting efforts, and can also result in criminal charges for the offender.

The Gila National Forest remains under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.

Officials say the southwest’s typical fire season conditions of hot temperatures, high winds, low humidity levels and rugged terrain are barriers to fighting this fire. All efforts are being used to fully suppress the fire while ensuring firefighter and public safety remains top priority.

Evacuations for limited areas in the neighborhood of the Black Fire are issued by the sheriffs of Grant, Catron and Sierra counties.

John Larson, El Defensor Chieftain