Containment on the 4,896-acre Midnight Fire reached 100% on Friday, July 1. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire’s edge and mop-up hotspots as the weather conditions allow until the fire officially declared controlled and out. Some interior areas may continue to smolder and smoke may be visible. No perimeter growth is expected.

A Forest Order closing the fire area and potential debris outflow locations has been put in place for public safety. Forest Road 44 is closed between County Road 248 and Forest Road 123. A full list of roads closed by the order is online. Open roads in the area, including Forest Road 123, may still experience some flooding.

The Midnight Fire was first reported around 7:45 p.m. on June 9, when smoke was seen approximately eight miles north of El Rito (Rio Arriba County), New Mexico. Firefighters immediately responded, eventually finding the fire in a remote area around midnight, the timing which the fire was named after. A lightning strike was determined to be the cause.

The fire’s behavior became less intense, and its rate of spread slowed, when flames reached areas recently treated with prescribed fire in 2018, as well as the burn area of the 2019 Francisquito Fire, a 2,009-acre lightning-caused fire that was managed for forest health, among other objectives. These areas gave firefighters safer spaces to work within and build containment lines.

The fire is currently being managed Carson National Forest employees. 

Midnight Fire June 18, 2022,
Daily Update, 08:00 AM

Acres: 4,896
Containment: 79% 
Total personnel: 231 
Start Date: June 9, 2022
Cause: Lightning
Location:  4.5 miles NNE of El Rito in Rio Arriba County 
Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass  

Highlights: Unless significant activity occurs, this will be the final written update for the Midnight Fire; continue to watch the Carson National Forest Facebook page where updates on the fire will be shared, as necessary. There are no further public meetings planned concerning the Midnight Fire.

Operations: Yesterday, firefighters began suppression repair efforts. Suppression repair is a series of immediate post-fire actions taken to repair damages and minimize potential soil erosion and impacts resulting from fire suppression activities. This work repairs the hand and dozer fire lines, roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones and drop points used during fire suppression effort and usually begins before the fire is contained. Crews and engines continued to patrol and mop up the sections of uncontained line on the northern perimeter of the fire.
 
Today, firefighters will continue to mop up along the northern edge of fire line, extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines down to the mineral soil, felling fire damaged trees and cooling ash pits to make a fire line less likely to escape and to reduce residual smoke. As this work is completed, these portions of the fire line are considered contained. Additional suppression repair efforts will also begin on the newly contained line.  
 
Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 will transfer command of the Midnight Fire back to the Carson National Forest and a local Type 4 Incident Management organization on Monday, June 20.   

Evacuations: To view real-time evacuation information around the Midnight Fire, visit: www.tinyurl.com/midnightfiremap. For emergency alerts in Rio Arriba County, sign up here: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/6807. The Ready, Set, Go evacuation guide is available in English and Spanish here: https://tinyurl.com/RSGNM. For disaster assistance resources, visit: https://www.nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/.  
 
Weather: Moderating fire weather conditions are expected along with increased threats for flash flooding in the burn scar area. Winds will remain out of the south with gusts up to 25 mph. 
 
After Fire Flooding and Recovery Resources: Interactive flood and debris flow map: www.tinyurl.com/hermitspeak | After Wildfire New Mexico guide: https://www.afterwildfirenm.org/ 
 
Smoke: An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions. 

Closures and Restrictions: The Carson National Forest has been under Stage 3 fire restrictions, which closes the Forest, since May 17.

Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-445-3203 | Email: 2022.midnight@firenet.gov 
Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8147/  | https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNF
 
 

Midnight Fire June 17, 2022, Daily Update, 08:00 AM

Acres: 4,896 
Containment: 69% 
Total personnel: 351  Start Date: June 9, 2022
Cause: Lightning 
Location:  4.5 miles NNE of El Rito in Rio Arriba County 
Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass 

Highlights: Containment has increased to 69%, and acreage has decreased due to more accurate mapping. Firefighters will begin suppression repair efforts in areas where containment has been established and held for the past several days.

Operations: Yesterday, firefighters focused on holding containment lines throughout the day during high wind conditions. Crews also began to mop up along the fire line, extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines down to the mineral soil, felling fire damaged trees, and cooling ash pits to make a fire line less likely to escape and to reduce residual smoke. As this work is completed, these portions of the fire line are considered contained.
  Today, Engines and crews will continue patrol efforts with support from aviation assets as weather conditions permit. In addition, firefighters will begin suppression repair efforts in areas where containment has been established and held for the past several days. Suppression repair is a series of immediate post-fire actions taken to repair damages and minimize potential soil erosion and impacts resulting from fire suppression activities. This work repairs the hand and dozer fire lines, roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones and drop points used during fire suppression effort and usually begins before the fire is contained.  

Evacuations: To view real-time evacuation information around the Midnight Fire, visit: www.tinyurl.com/midnightfiremap  . For emergency alerts in Rio Arriba County, sign up here: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/6807. The Ready, Set, Go evacuation guide is available in English and Spanish here: https://tinyurl.com/RSGNM. For disaster assistance resources, visit: https://www.nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/.  

Weather: A deep southernly surge of moisture will enter the region on Friday with a continued downward trend in temperatures and an upward trend in moisture and thunderstorms. Moderating fire weather conditions are expected along with increased threats for flash flooding in the burn scar area. Winds will remain out of the south with gusts up to 25 mph.

After Fire Flooding and Recovery Resources: Interactive flood and debris flow map: www.tinyurl.com/hermitspeak | After Wildfire New Mexico guide: https://www.afterwildfirenm.org/

Smoke:  An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Closures and Restrictions: The Carson National Forest has been under Stage 3 fire restrictions, which closes the  Forest, since May 17.

Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-445-3203 | Email: 2022.midnight@firenet.gov Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8147/  | https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNF
 

Midnight Fire June 16, 2022, Daily Update, 08:00 AM

Acres: 4,919 
Containment: 16% 
Total personnel: 404 Start Date: June 9, 2022
Cause: Lightning 
Location:  4.5 miles NNE of El Rito in Rio Arriba County 
Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass 

Highlights: There will be a virtual public meeting this evening. The meeting will be live streamed to the Carson  National Forest Facebook page at 6 p.m. With containment increasing to 16%, crews have begun mop up activities across the fire area.

Operations: Yesterday, firefighters made great progress across all containment lines, continuing to reinforce handlines, dozer lines, and road systems. Crews and equipment on the ground continued to patrol the fire perimeter looking for areas of heat or smoke to ensure line integrity as we move into another day of high winds. Aviation assets supported ground resources by identifying locations of smoke or heat near lines and assisting with water drops.

Today, firefighters will focus on holding containment lines during expected high wind conditions, while also beginning to mop up along the fire line. Mop up is a process where firefighters work to extinguish or remove burning material near control lines down to the mineral soil, felling fire damaged trees, and cooling ash pits to make a fire less likely to escape the line and to reduce residual smoke. Once this work is completed, this portion of the fireline will be contained. Engines and crews will continue patrol efforts along with aviation assets which will be supporting these operations while weather conditions permit. 

Evacuations: To view real-time evacuation information around the Midnight Fire, visit: www.tinyurl.com/midnightfiremap  . For emergency alerts in Rio Arriba County, sign up here: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/6807. The Ready, Set, Go evacuation guide is available in English and Spanish here: https://tinyurl.com/RSGNM. For disaster assistance resources, visit: https://www.nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/.  

Weather: Temperatures and relative humidity will begin to moderate across the fire area, while winds remain strong with gusts estimated to be near 50 mph, even into the late hours. Isolated dry thunderstorms cannot be ruled out due to high level moisture and instability moving across the fire area.

Smoke: An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest  smoke conditions.

Closures and Restrictions: The Carson National Forest has been under Stage 3 fire restrictions, which closes the Forest, since May 17.

Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-445-3203 | Email: 2022.midnight@firenet.gov Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8147/  | https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNF

Midnight Fire June 15, 2022, Daily Update, 08:00 AM

Acres: 4,905 | Containment: 12% | Total personnel: 382 | 
Start Date: June 9, 2022| Cause: Lightning | Location:  4.5 miles NNE of El Rito in Rio Arriba County | Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass  

Highlights: Containment has increased to 12% on the Midnight Fire. Firefighters saw a decrease in fire activity on the east and northeast sides of the fire when the fuels transitioned into areas of fuels treatments and prior-year burn scars.

Operations: Yesterday, during an extreme fire weather day, firefighters’ suppression efforts were aided to the north and east by previous fire scars and fuel treatments (thinning and other tactics) that had been completed by the Carson National Forest. A mix of fixed wing and rotor aircraft assisted the firefighters throughout the day to slow spread and secure line. Crews and heavy equipment worked to improve a mix of roads and dozer lines along the northeast perimeter of the fire. A combination of handline and dozer line was completed across the northern edge of the fire. Firefighters were able to contain all spot fires and will continue this work through another day of extremely dry conditions.  
 
Today, firefighters will focus on holding lines along the western perimeter. This will include a mix of air and ground resources checking for signs of heat or smoke along the containment line. Firefighters will patrol the established lines to the south, looking for areas of heat that might pose a risk to the containment lines in the future. Aircraft will focus efforts on the northwest corner of the fire to prevent spread in that direction. Dozer lines and road systems on the east and northern sides will continue to be improved using chipping and debris removal, strengthening lines to aid crews in containment efforts. 

We will have a virtual public meeting tomorrow evening, June 16. The meeting will be live streamed to the Carson National Forest Facebook page at 6pm. A recording of last night’s public meeting was uploaded to the Facebook page last night and available to view anytime. 

Evacuations: To view real-time evacuation information around the Midnight Fire, visit:  www.tinyurl.com/midnightfiremap  . For emergency alerts in Rio Arriba County, sign up here: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/6807. The Ready, Set, Go evacuation guide is available in English and Spanish here: https://tinyurl.com/RSGNM. For disaster assistance resources, visit: https://www.nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/.  

Weather: Conditions will continue to be hot, dry, and windy. Relative humidity values will remain low throughout the day, while winds will stay strong at high elevations even into the late hours. Isolated dry thunderstorms cannot be ruled out due to high level moisture and instability moving across the fire area.

Smoke:  An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Closures and Restrictions: The Carson National Forest has been under Stage 3 fire restrictions, which closes the Forest, since May 17.

Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-445-3203 | Email: 2022.midnight@firenet.gov Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8147/  | https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNF

 

Midnight Fire June 14, 2022, Daily Update, 08:00 AM

Acres: 4,843 | Containment: 0% | Total personnel: 330 | Start Date: June 9, 2022| Cause: Lightning | Location:  4.5 miles NNE of El Rito in Rio Arriba County | Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass 

Highlights: A Community Meeting will be hosted at the Abiquiu Rural Event Center at 6:00 p.m. this evening. A Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; expect to see increased smoke as the fire will remain active. Firefighters have been successful in catching spot fires on the northeast side of the fire due in large part to prior fuels treatments in the area.

Operations: Fire suppression efforts were challenged yesterday with the red flag conditions. Fire activity picked up along the western section of the perimeter as the fire pushed through containment lines. Aviation assets were able to use both water from super scoopers and helicopters as well as retardant from very-large air tankers to check that growth earlier in the day before being grounded due to high winds. Direct line construction continued from Forest Service Road 44 north and west along the fire’s edge. Crews also saw an increase in activity on the northeast corner of the fire with spot fires out ahead of the primary containment line, all of which were identified quickly and managed by firefighters on the ground. Crews were successful in picking up those spot fires due in part to fuels treatments, including prescribed fire and thinning activities along with an old burn scar. The treatments provided a transition area from heavy timber to open canopy that brought the fire down to the ground with significantly lower intensity burning conditions.  
Today, firefighters can expect challenges with another day of Red Flag Warnings. On the west side of the fire, crews resumed direct line construction at daybreak building containment lines to the north with support from aviation. Crews will continue to scout for containment features, including road systems, burn scars, and fuel treatments to establish containment lines and contingency lines to the north and east.  

Evacuations: To view real-time evacuation information around the Midnight Fire, visit: www.tinyurl.com/midnightfiremap For emergency alerts in Rio Arriba County, sign up here: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/6807. The Ready, Set, Go evacuation guide is available in English and Spanish here: https://tinyurl.com/RSGNM. For disaster assistance resources, visit: https://www.nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/.  

Weather: Red Flag Warning in effect from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Much drier air will filter into the area with relative humidity values very low. Wind gusts will be up to 35 mph. 

Air Quality: Complimentary mobile HEPA air filter units have all been checked out to nearby smoke sensitive residents.

Closures and Restrictions: The Carson National Forest has been under Stage 3 fire restrictions, which closes the Forest, since May 17.

 
Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-445-3203 | Email: 2022.midnight@firenet.gov Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8147/  | https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNF
 

 

 

Midnight Fire June 13, 2022, Daily Update, 08:00 AM

Acres: 3,944 | Containment: 0% | Total personnel: 225 | Start Date: June 9, 2022| Cause: Under Investigation | Location:  4.5 miles NNE of El Rito in Rio Arriba County | Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass 

Highlights: Firefighters were able to begin construction of direct fire line on both the east and west flanks of the fire, supported by four Super Scoopers and 12 Helicopters using both retardant and water to check the spread of the fire.

Operations: Last night, resources were able to initiate a burn operation using established road systems on the southern edge of the fire. The burn operation was successful, and crews were able to transition to a patrol and monitor status. Along Forest Road 44, crews were able to successfully check the spread of the fire from moving east. Dozer line was constructed on the east side of the fire and is progressing to the north. A fire scar from a 2019 managed fire is providing firefighters good control features along the eastern flank of the fire. On the west side of flank of the fire, crews were able to begin construction on direct hand line with support from aviation. A night shift is in place and will be present to monitor the fire overnight and is prepared to continue with burning operations if the opportunity presents itself.  

Today, crews can expect the potential for increased fire behavior with high winds and atmospheric instability. In areas where burn operations were completed, firefighters will patrol and monitor the perimeters checking for any heat and ensuring the line remains secure. On the west side of the fire, direct line construction will continue, building to the north with support from aviation. To the north, crews will work to improve and hold the direct lines established on Sunday. To the east, the completed dozer lines will be patrolled throughout the day. 

Evacuations: To view real-time evacuation information around the Midnight Fire, visit: tinyurl.com/midnightfiremap. For emergency alerts in Rio Arriba County, sign up here: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/6807. The Ready, Set, Go evacuation guide is available in English and Spanish here: https://tinyurl.com/RSGNM. For disaster assistance resources, visit: https://www.nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/.  

Weather: Continued hot and dry weather will persist today and through the weekend, bringing Red Flag weather conditions on Monday. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-80s with 15-40% relative humidity and a small chance of isolated thunderstorms. Winds will be out of the west-northwest today with sustained winds around 13 mph and gusts to 25 mph.

Air Quality: Complimentary mobile HEPA air filter units are available to nearby smoke sensitive residents. They can be checked out at the El Rito Ranger Station. Call 575.581.4554 to reserve a mobile HEPA air filter. The units are courtesy of the Forest Stewards Guild and the Carson National Forest.

Closures and Restrictions: The Carson National Forest has been under Stage 3 fire restrictions, which closes the Forest, since May 17.

Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-445-3203 | Email: 2022.midnight@firenet.gov Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8147/  | https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNF

 

Midnight Fire June 12, 2022, Daily Update, 08:00 AM

Acres: 3,478 | Containment: 0% | Total personnel: 202 | Start Date: June 9, 2022| Cause: Under Investigation | Location:  4.5 miles NNE of El Rito in Rio Arriba County | Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass 

Highlights: Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the Midnight Fire at 7:00 a.m. today.

Operations: Following an infrared flight and better mapping overnight the acreage is now reported at 3,478 acres with no containment. Yesterday firefighters worked to secure the anchor on the southwest corner of the fire while also looking for the best opportunities to engage. Fire managers observed growth of the fire to both the south and east. Ground resources were reinforced with aviation assets throughout the day including 13 helicopters, four super scooper amphibious air tankers, eight air tankers, and two very-large air tankers (VLATs) using both water and retardant. Structure protection efforts took place in Potrero Canyon.  

Today resources from the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires will continue to support firefighting efforts as additional resources are ordered and logistical support can be established closer to the incident. Fire managers will scout for opportunities to engage the fire using both ground and aviation resources, looking for the best opportunities to begin to establish containment lines while providing for public and firefighter safety.  

Evacuations: The community of Potrero, just south of where the fire started, has been put under a GO evacuation status by the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office. Valle de los Caballos are also in GO status. No other areas are under an evacuation status at this time. The community of El Rito along with the town of Placitas, Petaca and State Road 519 is on READY status. Vallectio community is on SET Status. In the event of evacuation, the Abiquiu Rural Event Center has been identified as an evacuation center. Evacuees will use State Road 554 as an evacuation route.  For emergency alerts in Rio Arriba County, sign up here: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/6807.  

Weather: Continued hot and dry weather will persist today and through the weekend bringing Red Flag weather conditions on Monday. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-80s with a 15-40% relative humidity and a small chance of isolated thunderstorms. Winds will be out of the west-northwest today with sustained winds around 13 mph and gusts to 25 mph.

Air Quality: Complimentary mobile HEPA air filter units are available to nearby smoke sensitive residents. They can be checked out at the El Rito Ranger Station. Call 575.581.4554 to reserve a mobile HEPA air filter. The units are courtesy of the Forest Stewards Guild and the Carson National Forest.

Closures and Restrictions: The Carson National Forest has been under Stage 3 fire restrictions, which closes the Forest, since May 17.

Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-445-3203 | Email: 2022.midnight@firenet.gov Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8147/  | https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNF

 

 

MIDNIGHT FIRE EVACUATION STATUS UPDATES
New evacuation statuses were announced by the Rio Arriba County Sheriff's Office at tonight's 8 p.m. meeting. Here's the full list:
 
GO- Potrero- Valle de los Caballos

SET- Vallecitos

READY- El Rito- Placitas- Petaca- NM 519 communities

 What actions should be taken under each status? Read New Mexico's guidance here: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/.../fir.../ready-set-go-new-mexico/

Acres: 3,500 | Containment: 0% | Total personnel: 200 | Start Date: June 9, 2022 | Cause: Under Investigation | Location: 8 miles NNE of El Rito in Rio Arriba County | Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass.
 
Community Meeting Tonight: There will be a live meeting broadcast on Carson National Forest Facebook page tonight at 8:00 p.m.

Highlights: The fire generally spread south and east today. Crews both on the ground and in the air engaged the fire as it pushed eastward out of Potrero Canyon at Forest Road 123 near its intersection with Forest Road 44.
The reported size remains at 3,500 acres until an infrared flight operation tonight occurs to more accurately map the fire. Containment remains at 0%. Personnel and equipment continue to be ordered.

 
Evacuations: The community of Potrero, just south of where the fire started, has been put under a GO evacuation status by the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office. No other areas are under an evacuation status at this time. 
For emergency alerts in Rio Arriba County, sign up here: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/6807.

 
Weather: Hot and dry conditions persisted today with temperatures reaching into the low 90s and the relative humidity reaching into single digits. Critical fire weather conditions will return Sunday with a very low relative humidity, gusty winds and an unstable hot airmass. 

Closures: The Carson National Forest has been under Stage 3 fire restrictions, which closes the Forest, since May 17. 
 
Air Quality: Complimentary mobile HEPA air filter units are available to nearby smoke sensitive residents. They can be checked out at the El Rito Ranger Station. Call 575-581-4554 to reserve. The units are courtesy of the Forest Stewards Guild and the Carson National Forest.