Hot Springs fire contained
The verdict is in on a fire that had been blazing for two weeks near Hot Springs — after burning 5,964 acres, the fire was declared fully contained on May 4.
Rainfall over the preceding weekend had helped extinguish remaining host spots in the Silver Mine Fire, which was reported April 21, with all area trails now open. However, some U.S. Forest Service roads may be still closed as fire line repair work is completed.
Forest Service specialists will work to restore the area where high-intensity burns created risk of erosion or invasion by non-native plants. Areas that burned with low to moderate intensity will likely benefit, allowing for increased wildlife forage.
The western part of the state is currently in a moderate drought, meaning that caution is vital when managing any type of flame.
