The North Fire Increases to 42,102 Acres

Release Date: Jun 27, 2016

Magdalena, NM; June 27, 2016 – The North fire on the Magdalena Ranger District increased in size to 42,102 acres; at 69% containment.  The lightning-caused fire started on May 21^st and is located in the San Mateo Mountains, 25 miles southwest of Magdalena, NM. It continues to be actively managed for multiple resource benefits. 

 

Yesterday crews continued to mop up and patrol the fire perimeter.  Snagging operations removing burned hazardous trees along FR 330 continued yesterday.   The fire area experienced wetting moisture and lightning yesterday afternoon.  Today crews will continue to repairing water pipe line and fencing along the east side of the fire perimeter. Culvert refurbishment will occur today to clear debris from the existing CCC culvert system along the FR 549 to Monica Saddle.  Crews will continue to patrol and monitor the fire perimeter to protect private property in the fire area.  Fire behavior and effects are being assessed to ensure they meet the incident objectives.  Point protection is being provided to maintain private and infrastructure values.  There are currently 86 personnel assigned to the incident.

 

The local Type 3 Incident Management Team will transfer command of the North Fire to a local Type 4 Incident Commander today, June 27, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.  The Type 3 Incident Management Team would like to thank the local communities for supporting the firefighters during the North Fire.  The entire Magdalena Ranger District Staff provided valuable assistance in supporting the firefighters and team’s mission.

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The weather forecast Monday calls for afternoon and evening thunderstorms.  Visit the New Mexico Department of Health visibility test to determine smoke impacts in your area at: https://nmtracking.org/fire.  The smoke monitoring website 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 District 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, and http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/.