(AP) SILVER CITY N.M. -- Thunderstorms have helped firefighters make progress on a 50,688-acre Bear Fire burning in the Gila National Forest. Elsewhere in the forest, fire officials said they expect to contain two other blazes—the Skates and Reserve Complex fires—sometime today.
In northern New Mexico, the 16,114-acre Rivera Mesa Fire in Mora County was reported contained on Sunday. The fire is blamed on a lightning strike a week ago.
The Bear Fire in southwestern New Mexico was 44 percent contained as of this morning, Fire information officer Punky Moore said.
Fire crews completed a line around the west side of the blaze Sunday, which leaves the blaze actively burning on the southern end heading into the Gila Wilderness, she said. Officials plan to use hand crews to fight the fire in the wilderness, she added.
The fire broke out a week ago northeast of Glenwood. Rain helped slow the fire's spread Sunday, and rain is forecast for this afternoon in the area.
The 12,582-acre Skates Fire is now 95 percent contained. It broke out June 2 and is burning about seven miles northeast of Pinos Altos.
The 15,436-acre Reserve Complex also is 95 percent contained. It is made up of two blazes that were sparked by lightning June 6.