Salvation Fire

Salvation Fire in the Gila National Forest of southwestern New Mexico burned some 26,000 acres (105 km2)[1] from 27 June to 2 July 1974. It was started by lightning along with some 300 other wildfires,[2] but was one of the last to be contained due to the rugged terrain.

Salvation Fire
LocationGila National Forest, New Mexico
Coordinates33°38′21″N 108°20′49″W
Statistics
Total area26,000 acres (110 km2)
Date(s)June 27 - July 2, 1974
Map
Salvation Fire is located in New Mexico
Salvation Fire

The fire was located some 60 miles north of Silver City and 24 miles east-southeast of Reserve.[3] In addition to local fire-fighting crews, crews came from as far away as Montana. In addition several U.S. Army units were dispatched to help contain the blaze.[3]

The fire received its name from the Forest Service, since it originated near Salvation Peak.[4]

Notes
  1. Department of the Interior and related agencies appropriations for fiscal year 1976: hearings before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate, Ninety-fourth Congress, first session, on H.R. 8773 Committee on Appropriations, US Senate, United States Congress, Government Printing Office, 1975, p. 1237
  2. "300 Forest Fires In New Mexico" The Prescott Courier 2 July 1974, p. 5, col. 1
  3. "Huge Blaze Raging in Gila Forest" Silver City Daily Press 29 June 1974, p. 1
  4. "Welcome Rains Aid Fight" The Albuquerque Tribune 2 July 1974, p. A-14

References
  • "Optimistic About Winning Battle Against Forest Fires" The Bryan Times 2 July 1974, p. 3, col. 2
  • "Gila Forest Fire Nearly Controlled" Las Cruces Sun-News 2 July 1974, Vol. 94, No.80, p. 1, col. 2-7
  • "Huge Blaze Raging in Gila Forest" Silver City Daily Press 29 June 1974, p. 1
  • Swetnam, Thomas W. (1983) Fire History of the Gila Wilderness, New Mexico Masters Thesis, University of Arizona, Tucson, OCLC 11080516


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