UPDATE 6/18 9a: The Silver Fire grew to over 30,000 acres overnight.
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New Mexico's largest wildfire this year is expected to grow significantly today. The Silver Fire, which is burning in the Gila National Forest, is threatening the small historic mining town of Kingston, although so far fire crews have been successful at protecting the town.
Smoke from the blaze created a 30,000 foot column of smoke on Tuesday that was visible from El Paso, Texas, over 100 miles away.
Fire officials say gusty winds and single digit humidity will fan the flames today and the fire is expected to be highly visible again.
The Silver Fire has consumed 28,000 acres and is 5 percent contained. There are over 538 firefighters working to control the blaze.
Here's a video posted by the National Weather Service in El Paso with a satellite view of the smoke plume Tuesday afternoon.
