Current Situation

Yesterday, firefighters increased containment to 58 percent. Overall, fire behavior was minimal yesterday thanks to cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Acres remain the same at 11,256.

While fire activity is moderated, threats to responders persist due to operations in the wildland urban interface, downed powerlines and congestion in the fire area with returning residents, responder traffic and infrastructure restoration work. We ask drivers to remain on alert when traveling near the fire to protect firefighters.

Weather permitting, firefighters today will lengthen and widen containment lines, connect gaps where needed and keep fire interior of the containment lines. Mop up and patrol will continue along the northern, western and southern edges of the fire, as will construction of new containment lines with heavy equipment.

Weather

Additional showers and thunderstorms will be possible today as a few disturbances move across the area this afternoon and a cold front pushes through this evening. Strong storms with local heavy rain are possible with brief periods of frequent lightning. Relative humidity will be in mid-high 40s with temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s. Behind the front, winds will become north-northwest with increasing clouds. Much warmer and drier weather will return to the area on Thursday with temperatures climbing back into the 90s and building to near 100 degrees on Saturday. Hotter conditions will drive the relative humidity down to around 25 percent.

Resources

Assigned resources include 236 personnel, a Type 3 helicopter, 29 engines, a tractor plow and nine dozers.

Closures

The temporary flight restriction over the fire was rescinded last night.

Current Situation  

The Mesquite Heat Fire remains at 11,256 acres.

Yesterday, firefighters increased containment to 52%. On the north side, firefighters continued to mop up hotspots and connect dozer lines. The south side of the fire has very rough terrain requiring firefighters to build line by hand. Firefighters mopped up hotspots in draws and canyons. A night shift worked with landowners moving back into the area to address concerns around structures. 

Minimal fire behavior is expected today due to predicted rain and cloud cover. Isolated flare ups are possible, and residents may see smoke scattered in the duff.  

Today, firefighters will continue to build on containment lines, widening lines and connecting gaps where needed. Aviation resources are available to assist with any increased fire activity. 

Weather  

Southeast winds up to 15 miles per hour will continue to bring in moisture. There is a 70% chance of thunderstorms today. Some storms are expected to be strong or severe with hail, locally heavy rain, and periods of frequent lightning. Temperatures will reach the upper-70s with relative humidity in the mid-50s. 

Resources  

Assigned resources include 218 personnel, a Type 3 helicopter, 29 engines, a tractor plow and nine dozers. 

Closures 

A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_2_7798.html.  

Remember—Do not fly drones over the fire. If you fly, we can’t. 

Yesterday at 8 a.m. the Southern Area Incident Management Gold Team assumed command of the Mesquite Heat Fire under the leadership of Incident Commander Dave Martin and in unified command with the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office.

Current Situation

The fire is currently 11,256 acres and 25 percent contained. Increased acreage is due to more accurate mapping and data collection.

Active, open flame was reported yesterday morning on the eastern side of the fire although fire intensity was low. Minimal fire behavior is expected today. However, fuels remain extremely dry and could support some moderate, low intensity growth.

Firefighters continue to focus on the uncontained firelines along the north, west and southern edges of the fire to limit fire progression. Heavy equipment is working to construct containment lines. Aviation resources are available to assist with any increased fire activity.

Evacuations

Sheriff Bishop has lifted the remaining access restrictions in the evacuated areas. A heavy Sheriff's Office presence will remain in the area to help ensure public safety.

Weather

Temperatures will reach the mid-70s today with relative humidity around 35-37 percent this afternoon. A mix of sun and clouds is expected with winds around 10 miles per hour. The chance of storms will increase tonight but Monday – Wednesday is when the chance of showers and storms will be the highest. Tomorrow, some storms could be strong including hail, local heavy rain and periods of frequent lightning. Temperatures will warm some on Tuesday before warmer conditions return Thursday. Higher temperatures are forecast for this weekend.

Resources

Assigned resources include 145 personnel, a Type 3 helicopter, 16 engines, a tractor plow and nine dozers.

Closures

A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_2_7798.html.

Mesquite Heat Fire Update , May 20 at 10:00 PM

May 20, 2022
10:00 pm 
 
Size: 9613 acres
Containment: 25%
Road Closures and Evacuations: Braune Rd, Hidden Valley Drive, US HWY 277
Structures lost: 27

The Mesquite Heat Fire showed very little activity today, a few flare ups on the West end and unburnt pockets of fuel most of which where interior occurred, and crews where able to handle those areas with assistance of air craft.

This afternoon winds had continued coming from the South at 10-20 MPH which led to very little fire progression throughout the day.
Crews continued to construct containment line along the perimeter of the fire with a heavy focus on the southern flank in preparation for the predicted cold front tomorrow morning which will bring winds from the North, engines and air craft where very quick to engage any flare ups that occurred. The post fire assessment team has completed work on assessing and documenting the structures that where lost or damaged.

Evacuations are still in place with limited access for Country Place South to FM 89, South of FM 1235, Hillside Rd, Denton Valley Rd, Braune Rd and CR 297.

Mesquite Heat Fire Update , May 19 at 9:00 AM

May 19, 2022
9:00 pm 
 
Size: 9613 acres
Containment: 25%
Road Closures and Evacuations: Braune Rd, Hidden Valley Drive, US HWY 277
Structures lost: 27

The Mesquite Heat Fire showed much less activity than expected throughout the day, a few flare ups on the West end of the fire occurred, but crews where able to handle those areas with assistance of air craft.

This afternoon winds had continued coming from the South at 10-20 MPH which led to very little fire progression throughout the day.
Crews continued to construct containment line along the perimeter of the fire while receiving overhead support from aircraft, engines and air craft where also very quick to engage any flare ups that occurred. a post fire assessment team has also been working to assess and document structures that where lost or damaged.

Evacuations are still in place for Country Place South to FM 89, South of FM 1235, Hillside Rd, Denton Valley Rd, Braune Rd and CR 297.

Mesquite Heat Fire Update , May 19 at 9:00 AM

May 18, 2022
9:00 am 
 
Size: 5000 acres
Containment: 5%
Road Closures and Evacuations: Braune Rd, Hidden Valley Drive, US HWY 277
Structures lost: 10

The Mesquite Heat Fire showed extreme fire behavior yesterday, multiple torching and crown runs were observed, a dry line had pushed through from the West causing the fire to jump containment on the East flank. The fire made a run to the East, Jumping HWY 277 and heading towards Buffalo Gap, evacuation took place last night in multiple areas in the path of the fire including Buffalo Gap.

This morning fire activity is low, however it is anticipated to pick up again this afternoon and another dryline is predicted, temperatures will again be above 100, and winds are expected to be 10 - 20 MPH with gust of 30, relative humidity is expected to drop to around 10%.

Crews will reengage flanks to try and establish new containment line and engines will work to patrol and mop up along fire lines and engage in structure protection as needed.

Evacuations are still in place for Buffalo Gap, Country Place South to FM 89, South of FM 1235, Hillside Rd, Denton Valley Rd, Braune Rd and CR 297.
 
 

Mesquite Heat Fire Update
May 18, 2022
7:00 pm 
 
Size: 1,500 acres
Containment: 0%
Current Resources: 38

Current Status: The wildfire is very active and has jumped containment lines on both flanks near the heel. All resources, including aircraft, are actively engaged in reestablishing an anchor point. Retardant is utilized for structure protection and supporting line construction.

Planned Actions: Continue to use aircraft and heavy equipment to construct containment lines. Engines and aircraft will work structure protection.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Near critical fire weather conditions will affect the fire area today as temperatures warm to around 107 degrees, RH values drop to near 10 percent, and south to southwest winds range from 15 to 20 mph, with gusts to around 30 mph, although winds are expected to diminish by a few mph during the afternoon hours. A Fire Danger Statement is in effect for the fire area from late morning through the evening hours. There is also a chance for isolated shower or thunderstorm development during the afternoon hours, which would result in gusty and erratic winds if they affected the fire area. Overnight, RH recovery will not be very good, maxing out near 57 percent by early Thursday morning. Another very hot day, and near critical fire weather is in store for the fire area on Thursday, with highs again around 107 degrees, and RH's dropping to near 10 percent. A Heat Advisory is in effect today, and will likely be needed for Thursday as well.

Road Closures and Evacuations: For information regarding evacuations, please see the Taylor County Sheriff's Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/taylorcosheriff.

Evacuations are in place for residents in the following areas:

• Braune Rd between Hidden Valley Dr and Hillside Rd
• Braune Rd from Hidden Valley to Hwy 277 and all of CR 297
• East of the fire to Hwy 277 from Braune Rd to the rest area
• East of Hwy 277 from FM 1235 to Buffalo Gap

Evacuees can go to the View Baptist Church.

Highway 277 is shut down. Hidden Valley Drive and Hillside Road remained closed to everyone but first responders.

Damages: There are confirmed reports of structures destroyed and damaged by the wildfire. A post-fire assessment team has been mobilized to assess the fire area and determine the number and type of structures damaged.

Mesquite Heat Fire Update No.1

May 18, 2022
9:00 am 
 
Size: 1500 acres
Containment: 10%
Road Closures and Evacuations: Braune Rd, Hidden Valley Drive
Structures lost: Homes and Outbuildings, no exact number yet

The Mesquite Heat Fire showed extreme fire behavior yesterday, multiple torching and crown runs were observed, crews had difficulty getting any kind of containment and multiple evacuations took place for local residents in the area along Hidden Valley Drive. Some structures including homes and out buildings were destroyed in the fire, no fatalities or injuries have been reported at this time. Air craft resources were used yesterday to make strategic retardant drops to help slow the forward progression of the fire, allowing crews on the ground to catch up on the flanks. Crews worked through the night and transitioned with day crews this morning to continue operations.
 
Fire activity did diminish over night allowing crews to make good progress with containment line, however activity is expected to pick up as temperatures and wind increase and RH values drop. Air craft will continue to support ground crews through out the day.

NOAA National Weather Service-Albuquerque Office:

Thunderstorm Forecast for NM Burn Scars starting July 10 through July 14

Albuquerque, NM (weather.gov)

This table below indicates the probability for thunderstorms over New Mexico wildfire burn areas. Storm motion and atmospheric moisture content are also listed as these factors can have considerable influence on the risk for burn scar flash flooding. Storm motion is the direction that storms will move toward. This product is experimental and for planning purposes only.

Go to the Photos Tab on this InciWeb Page for a close-up image of the NWS table below. 

For the most up-to-date NWS forecast for NM “burn scar storms” go to:

Albuquerque, NM (weather.gov) and click on the “Burn Scar Storms” header on the right side of the page under NWS Albuquerque. 

FOREST SERVICE RECEIVES FUNDING FOR POST-FIRE BAER EMERGENCY TREATMENTS & ACTIONS

The Forest Service (USFS) recently completed post-fire Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessments for emergency stabilization measures and actions on National Forest System (NFS) lands burned by the Cerro Pelado Fire and Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fires.

BAER emergency treatments and activities are designed to decrease possible post-fire impacts like flash flooding and debris-flows and protect BAER critical values such as life and safety, property, critical natural resources and cultural resources.

Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon (HPCC) Fires:

As of July 6, Phase 1 and Phase 2 BAER treatments total $2.5 million for the Santa Fe NF. This total includes funding for road stabilization and storm proofing work, road storm inspection and response, guardrail repair, burned area signage, aerial seeding, heritage site protection, and channel debris removal.

As of July 6, BAER treatments total $322,600 for the Carson NF. This total includes funding for road stabilization and storm proofing work, road storm inspection and response, and burned area signage.

The Phase 3 BAER assessment for the HPCC Firs is ongoing as of July 6, and the Santa Fe NF and BAER team have not yet finalized its assessment and funding request for recommended BAER treatments.

Cerro Pelado Fire:

As of July 6, BAER treatment funding includes $213,000 for road infrastructure protection, burned area signage, rapid response to detect noxious weeds, and ancestral pueblo-cultural resources protection.