Magdalena, NM--The North fire on the Magdalena Ranger District increased in size yesterday and is now 36,246 acres; at 36% containment. The lightning-caused fire started on May 21st and is located in the San Mateo Mountains, 25 miles southwest of Magdalena, NM. It continues to be actively managed for multiple resource benefits.
Crews continue to patrol and mop up to keep fire within existing perimeter. Fire behavior remained active along ridge tops in ponderosa pine, piñon–juniper, mixed-conifer, and grass. Some smoke can be expected as pockets of unburned fuel in the fire’s interior ignite. Fire behavior and effects are being assessed to ensure incident objectives are being met. There are currently 146 personnel assigned to the incident.
The weather forecast for Wednesday calls for continued warm air temperatures along with possible afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Though moderate fire behavior will limit smoke production, the community of Magdalena and surrounding areas should be cautious of smoke impacts. Visit the New Mexico Department of Health visibility test to determine smoke impacts in your area at: https://nmtracking.org/fire. The New Mexico Air Quality Bureau has placed a smoke monitor at the Magdalena Ranger District Administrative Site, located off County Road 107, in Magdalena, NM. The smoke monitoring websites is: http://app.airsis.com/USFS/fleet.aspx. Smoke will continue to be visible from US Highway 60 west of Magdalena, NM.
A temporary Area Closure Order has been issued for the vicinity of the North Fire. All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the closure area are closed to public use. Due to the severe fire danger, and to protect public health and safety, Stage I fire restrictions have been implemented on the Magdalena Ranger Districts of Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands.
For more information, please contact the Magdalena Ranger District at 575-854-2281, or visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com , Twitter:@Cibola_NF, www.facebook.com/cibolanf, andhttp://inciweb.nwcg.gov/.