Images of the Silver Fire - Battle for Kingston - Black Range of the Gila National Forest

Battle for Kingston – As the Silver Fire looms a quarter mile away, Crew bosses convene in the Kingston firehouse to establish new fire fighting strategies and revise trigger points. Unusually low morning humidity levels and strong winds prompted the bosses, working the eastern slope of the Black Range, to quickly assemble as the fire moved towards Kingston. Huddled around a card table covered in maps, each boss gave their perspective on the fire’s movement and possible defense strategies. Within 45 minutes, a new plan was in place. Aside from cutting fire protection lines around the perimeter of the town, fire crews cleared dry vegetation surrounding homes and established a network of sprinklers to dampen parched lawns and home exteriors. Back burns were set in the hills surrounding town as firefighters and water tenders stood ready. The crews’ hard fought efforts paid off; as of this morning, residents of Kingston were allowed to return home. No major structural damage to the historic community was reported. Kingston, Sierra County, NM