New Start on Mt. Taylor Ranger District: Cinder Cone Fire Update

Reported start date / time: May 11, 2025, 9:30am

Cause: Unknown 

Size: 7.2 acres 

Location: Mt. Taylor Ranger District – Zuni Mountains near Quartz Hill 

Resources: Mt. Taylor Ranger District, Cibola County Emergency Services, Milan VFD, El Moro VFD 

Strategy: Full suppression

Evacuations: NO Evacuations are currently in effect 

Values at risk: Paxton Springs Subdivision, La Jara Subdivision and Quartz Hill Trailhead 

Containment: 90% 

Fuels: Heavy Timber, Grass and Brush 

Fire behavior: Backing, flanking with isolated torching. 

Situation: Grants, New Mexico, 5/11/2025: Fire crews from several agencies responded to the Cinder Cone Fire on the Mt. Taylor Ranger District this morning. As of approximately 2:30pm fire progression has been stopped at approximately 7.2 acres. Firefighters will remain on scene throughout the night and continue improving and securing containment lines. 

Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of the Zuni Mountains. An interactive smoke map allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions. 

Weather: Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. https://www.weather.gov/ 

The next update for this incident will be sent out tomorrow