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Fire crews and air resources assigned to the American Mesa Fire made initial progress by increasing containment to 8% from 0% today. The fire, which is moving eastward, grew 50 acres from 400. It is located about 16 miles southwest of Dulce, N.M., on the Jicarilla Ranger District.

Numerous air tankers and helicopters worked the fire, including lining 80% of it with retardant. Crews on the ground secured the heal of the fire, established an anchor point and made progress up both flanks toward the head while minimizing threats to all inholdings. Fire managers continued to work with natural gas leaseholders and the nearby Jicarilla Apache Nation.

Weather remained a concern but winds did not arrive at the upper end of forecasts. However, on-site readings of relative humidity with a low of 5% showed how dry the day became. Critical fire weather is again forecasted for Monday.

Smoke was significantly less than Saturday, when the lightning-caused fire was first reported. Nonetheless, the public should monitor air quality and take actions to protect their health should smoke from the American Mesa or other area fires increase.

Fire updates will continue to be posted on InciWeb, New Mexico Fire Information and Carson National Forest social media channels on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).