Single Publication

Start Date / Time: May 20, 2024, approximately 3:45 p.m.

Cause: Unknown, Under Investigation

Size: 145 acres (Subject to change as more accurate mapping tool are deployed)

Location: 4 miles east of Cloudcroft

Resources: Firefighters from US Forest Service, Volunteer Fire Departments, BLM, State, 2-dozer, 3 large airtankers, 2 very large airtankers, 1 air attack, 1 helicopter.  

Types of vegetation in the area (aka fuels): Mixed Conifer

Containment: 0%

Strategy: Full Suppression

Road Closures: Highway 82 is closed from the upper junction of Highway 244 to Dry Canyon Road. 

Smoke: Moderate 

Evacuations:

GO Status: Areas from mile marker 21-23 on the north side of highway 82 are in mandatory GO status evacuations. This includes Alpine Rd., Hollywood Blvd., Pine Ridge Loop Rd., Wildwood Loop, and all roads connected to these main roads.  

SET Status: Areas on the south side of Highway 82 from mile marker 21-23 are in SET evacuation status. 

For reference the fire is located between mile marker 20-21. Review the national READY, SET, GO evacuation statuses at tinyurl.com/NMForestryREADYSETGO.

(Evacuations are being handled by Otero County, for updates visit www.facebook.com/people/Tularosa-Basin-Regional-Dispatch-Authority/100091541917115/15.)

Update: The Moser Fire started around 3:45 pm today off the side of Highway 82, four miles east of Cloudcroft. The fire began moving uphill in mixed conifer forest. Gusty winds created several spot fires ahead of the main fire. Firefighters from multiple agencies quickly responded to the fire. Firefighting crews and heavy equipment, including 2 bull dozers, are constructing direct fire line on the south, southwest and western sides of the fire and will continue to work their way to the north. Three large airtankers, two very large air tankers, and a helicopter dropped several loads of fire retardant and water. These aviation resources will remain available tomorrow as needed. Fire activity has decreased from the initial start and is now moving across the forest floor. The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation. There are no injuries or fatalities. Thank you to the community for your support and willingness to help. 

More Information: 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LincolnNationalForest

NM Fire Info: www.NMFireInfo.com

You can expect another update mid-morning tomorrow, May 21, 2024.