May 26, 2022

Acres: 33,196 acres              

Containment: 28%

Cause: Undetermined

Total Personnel: 558           

Start Date:  May 1, 2022

Location: San Mateo Mountains, Magdalena Ranger District, Socorro County, NM

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass

Highlights:  Continued windy conditions Wednesday allowed for a good test of the fire perimeter. All containment lines held, including the area that was reestablished Tuesday evening after fire crossed containment lines. Where safe, crews were able to strategically reinforce hand and dozer lines using proactive, low-intensity firing and air operations. Aerial and ground patrols continued. Most resources were focused on the southwest and south areas where fire is actively burning in the interior. A daily operational briefing video explaining details of the Bear Trap Fire operations can be viewed on the Cibola National Forest Facebook page. 

Operations:  The north and eastern areas of the fire continue to show little concerning fire activity and crews will begin working with resource specialists on suppression repair. After successful burning operations overnight, firefighters will continue mop up operations on the southwest and south portion of the fire along the 219 road, 72A road, Hudson Canyon and West Red Canyon roads. Weather today continues to support the removal of fuel inside the containment lines using low-intensity fire where safe and appropriate. Pockets of unburned fuel inside of fire will continue to burn throughout the day. Firefighters will keep a careful eye on these areas.

Weather: A high pressure system will sit over the fire area today increasing temperatures, keeping the humidity low and producing only light terrain driven winds. This system will begin to move to the east and winds might increase in the evening as the weather pattern returns to more typical southwesterly flow. Forecasters and fire officials will be watching the weather over the holiday weekend as temperatures and winds increase and humidity remains low.

Closures and Restrictions: The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) have now issued an updated fire area, road and trail closure (No. 03-0728) to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Bear Trap Fire. This closure order expands the previous closure area to provide for continued firefighter safety during wildland fire suppression and emergency operations. This order supersedes the previous order No. 03-0726. Based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs have also implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the Magdalena Ranger District (No. 03-0724). Both closure orders and maps are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should stay away from Bear Trap Fire operations. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes unmanned aircraft, or drones. More information on the dangers drones pose to wildland firefighting aircraft and personnel on the ground can be found at https://www.nifc.gov/drones/.

Acres: 28,988 acres              

Containment: 28%

Cause: Undetermined

Total Personnel: 515           

Start Date:  May 1, 2022

Location: San Mateo Mountains, Magdalena Ranger District, Socorro County, NM

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass

Highlights:  Under Red Flag conditions yesterday, air support was limited due to high wind speeds. With these challenging conditions fire crossed containment line at the southwest corner of the fire. This area was mainly grass, hand crews with the assistance of dozers worked the area last night and were able to reestablish containment line. The increased acreage in this area was 250 acres. The additional increase in acreage yesterday was within the fire perimeter. A daily operational briefing video explaining details of the Bear Trap Fire operations can be viewed on the Cibola National Forest Facebook page. 

Operations:  In the northern area of the fire today crews will continue to patrol, mop up, and be prepared to assist in suppression repair. In the southwest section firefighters will continue holding operations on the 219 road south toward the 72 and 73 road system and mop up were safe. Firefighters will be in place in the southeast area of the fire to ensure control lines are not compromised.

Weather: Today will be trending warmer and remaining very dry. A dry and warmer northwest flow will reside across the area today. After modest overnight humidity recovery, values will fall back below 30% by late morning across the fire, and into the single digits across lower and mid slopes by mid-afternoon. Early morning winds will remain light and generally driven by terrain flows until northwest winds mix by midday. Although not as strong as Tuesday, these winds combined with warmer temperatures and very low humidity will locally elevate fire weather conditions.      

Closures and Restrictions: The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) have now issued an updated fire area, road and trail closure (No. 03-0728) to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Bear Trap Fire. This closure order expands the previous closure area to provide for continued firefighter safety during wildland fire suppression and emergency operations. This order supersedes the previous order No. 03-0726. Based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs have also implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the Magdalena Ranger District (No. 03-0724). Both closure orders and maps are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should stay away from Bear Trap Fire operations. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes unmanned aircraft, or drones. More information on the dangers drones pose to wildland firefighting aircraft and personnel on the ground can be found at https://www.nifc.gov/drones/.

Bear Trap Fire Update
 May 24, 2022

Acres: 26,128 acres              

Containment: 28%

Cause: Undetermined

Total Personnel: 563           

Start Date:  May 1, 2022

Location: San Mateo Mountains, Magdalena Ranger District, Socorro County, NM

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass

Highlights: The California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 assumed command of the fire this morning with Incident Commander Eric Petterson. The Southwest Area Incident Management 4 will be leaving today after transferring command. A daily operational briefing video explaining details of the Bear Trap Fire operations will continue on the Cibola National Forest Facebook page. A Red Flag Warning is in effect this afternoon and early evening.

Operations: Firefighters were successful last night and yesterday holding and reinforcing control lines. Today in the northern area of the fire crews will continue to mop up, patrol, and backhaul excess equipment. In the southwest portion of the fire, crews will be slowly bringing fire downhill with low intensity toward the road system where control lines are in place. In anticipation of northwest winds, firefighters will be in place in the southeast area of the fire to ensure control lines are not compromised. Increased smoke may become visible as the fire aligns in drainages and makes uphill runs within the perimeter and control lines. A night shift will continue to patrol this area to ensure that fire does not spread or ignite outside the perimeter.      

Weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect today for strong gusty west-northwest winds and low relative humidity. Stronger west-northwest wind will begin late morning and become strong and gusty throughout the afternoon. The combination of strong winds and very low humidity will result in critical fire weather conditions through the afternoon and early evening before winds die down shortly after sunset. This cooler airmass will trend temperatures a few degrees lower, while afternoon humidity again will fall below 10 percent.     

Closures and Restrictions: The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) have now issued an updated fire area, road and trail closure (No. 03-0728) to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Bear Trap Fire. This closure order expands the previous closure area to provide for continued firefighter safety during wildland fire suppression and emergency operations. This order supersedes the previous order No. 03-0726. Based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs have also implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the Magdalena Ranger District (No. 03-0724). Both closure orders and maps are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should stay away from Bear Trap Fire operations. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes unmanned aircraft, or drones. More information on the dangers drones pose to wildland firefighting aircraft and personnel on the ground can be found at https://www.nifc.gov/drones/.

SOUTHWEST AREA

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM

TEAM 4 – AARON HULBURD – INCIDENT COMMANDER
 

California Team 10 to assume command of the Bear Trap Fire

May 23, 2022 Daily Update

Acres: 24,243 acres

Containment: 28%

Cause: Undetermined

Total Personnel: 642

Start Date: May 1, 2022

Location: San Mateo Mountains, Magdalena Ranger District, Socorro County, NM

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass
 

Highlights: The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 will transfer command of the Bear Trap Fire to California Team 10 at 6:00 AM on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. This is the final update from Southwest Team 4. The incoming team will continue to post operational briefing videos explaining details of the Bear Trap Fire operations on the Cibola National Forest Facebook page. Southwest Team 4 extends its sincere thanks to the local communities for their support and hospitality throughout this incident.

Operations: Firefighters are diligently patrolling control lines on foot, in vehicles, and by air to ensure that fire does not threaten the containment perimeter. As crews continue to seek out and extinguish any remaining heat sources, less smoke is visible over the fire area each day. While firefighters on the ground are reinforcing control lines, a “firing boss” is leading aerial ignition operations from a helicopter. The firing boss coordinates ignitions inside the planned boundaries, slowly removing vegetation from the ridgetops down to the constructed lines staffed by the ground resources. These firefighters are working together to prioritize their safety while minimizing the effects of fire on the landscape. Resource Advisors are closely monitoring all ignitions and suppression repair activities to ensure that sensitive resources are protected.

Weather: West-southwest winds will increase today ahead of an approaching cold front. These winds will remain gusty throughout the day before switching to the west-northwest this evening. Temperatures will warm into the 70s and humidity will drop by early afternoon. Cloud cover will increase through the day, likely becoming cloudy by late afternoon.

Closures and Restrictions: The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) have now issued an updated fire area, road and trail closure (No. 03-0728) to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Bear Trap Fire. This closure order expands the previous closure area to provide for continued firefighter safety during wildland fire suppression and emergency operations. This order supersedes the previous order No. 03-0726. Based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs have also implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the Magdalena Ranger District (No. 03-0724). Both closure orders and maps are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should stay away from Bear Trap Fire operations. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes unmanned aircraft, or drones. More information on the dangers drones pose to wildland firefighting aircraft and personnel on the ground can be found at https://www.nifc.gov/drones/.

Smoke: Smoke from the Bear Trap Fire and other nearby fires may be visible in the areas of Alamo, Datil, Magdalena, Socorro, Winston, and San Antonio, NM. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at the New Mexico Department of Health Environmental Public Health Tracking website: nmtracking.org. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Future Fire Information: The Bear Trap Fire Information phone number and email address will remain the same after the transition to California Team 10. Future fire information will continue to be posted on InciWeb, Cibola NF & NGs website, Facebook and Twitter pages, the NM Fire Information website.

Email: 2022.beartrap@firenet.gov•Phone: (928) 362-2906 •Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

SOUTHWEST AREA

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM

TEAM 4 – AARON HULBURD – INCIDENT COMMANDER

Firefighters identify repair needs on the Bear Trap Fire

May 22, 2022 Daily Update

Acres: 23,043 acres

Containment: 28%

Cause: Undetermined

Total Personnel: 636

Start Date: May 1, 2022

Location: San Mateo Mountains, Magdalena Ranger District, Socorro County, NM

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass

Highlights: After several successful days on the fire, crews are beginning to identify and assess any repairs needed to reduce evidence of suppression activities on the landscape. In areas where smoke and heat are no longer detected, firefighters are removing cut vegetation, improving road conditions, and installing erosion control structures. A daily operational briefing video explaining details of the Bear Trap Fire operations can be viewed on the Cibola National Forest Facebook page.

Operations: Under favorable conditions, firefighters are completing additional firing operations to reinforce control lines on the southern portion of the fire area. Helicopter crew members are assisting firefighters on the ground by igniting ridgetops inside the control lines to reduce the amount of vegetation in the path of the main fire. As this low intensity fire moves slowly down the slopes, it consumes excess vegetation to reduce the intensity of the main fire. Firefighters are also using helicopters to drop 240-gallon buckets of water to cool down the fire as it approaches the control lines. On the ground, crews are traveling back and forth along roads, dozerlines, and hand lines to ensure that fire does not spread or ignite outside the perimeter. Field observers are collecting and recording information around the fire to identify areas that need repairs following suppression activities. Observations have confirmed that structures within the fire area, including Withington Lookout, Grassy Lookout, and Bear Trap Campground, were protected and remain in good condition.

Weather: Elevated fire weather conditions will continue today. Early morning southerly winds will switch to southwesterly by midday and become gusty. Temperatures will trend slightly cooler although humidity will remain low. Winds will diminish shortly after sunset. This pattern will remain in place on Monday, resulting in another day of elevated fire weather.

Closures and Restrictions: The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) have now issued an updated fire area, road and trail closure (No. 03-0728) to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Bear Trap Fire. This closure order expands the previous closure area to provide for continued firefighter safety during wildland fire suppression and emergency operations. This order supersedes the previous order No. 03-0726. Based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs have also implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the Magdalena Ranger District (No. 03-0724). Both closure orders and maps are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should stay away from Bear Trap Fire operations. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes unmanned aircraft, or drones. More information on the dangers drones pose to wildland firefighting aircraft and personnel on the ground can be found at https://www.nifc.gov/drones/.

Smoke: Smoke from the Bear Trap Fire and other nearby fires may be visible in the areas of Alamo, Datil, Magdalena, Socorro, Winston, and San Antonio, NM. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at the New Mexico Department of Health Environmental Public Health Tracking website: nmtracking.org. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Fire updates are posted on InciWeb, Cibola NF & NGs website, Facebook and Twitter pages, the NM Fire Information website.

Email: 2022.beartrap@firenet.gov•Phone: (928) 362-2906 •Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

 SOUTHWEST AREA

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM

TEAM 4 – AARON HULBURD – INCIDENT COMMANDER
 

Containment lines hold strong on the Bear Trap Fire

May 21, 2022 Daily Update

 
 Acres: 21,732 acres

Containment: 28%

Cause: Undetermined

Total Personnel: 671

Start Date: May 1, 2022

Location: San Mateo Mountains, Magdalena Ranger District, Socorro County, NM

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass
 

Highlights: Despite challenging conditions, firefighters were able to successfully hold all constructed fire lines around the Bear Trap Fire during yesterday’s high wind event. Crews are concentrating their efforts on patrolling handlines, dozerlines, and roads around the fire area to ensure no fire crosses over these designated boundaries. A daily operational briefing video explaining details of the Bear Trap Fire operations can be viewed on the Cibola National Forest Facebook page.

Operations: Under Red Flag conditions, air support was limited yesterday due to high wind speeds. Elevated fire weather tested control lines around the fire, particularly on the east side as winds pushed from the west. All around the fire, crews defended the lines and prevented any fire spread outside of these boundaries. Firefighters on the ground continue to patrol and monitor control lines, watching for any signs of increased fire activity near the edge. In those areas where fire has already passed through, crews are searching for residual smoke or hot spots and extinguishing them by wetting down or removing any burning material. Along roadways, crews have been cutting small trees and limbs and moving this material to the opposite side of the road, removing it from the fire’s path. After this vegetation is cut, firefighters are using specialized equipment called “chippers” to break it down into small wood chips. These suppression repair activities help to reduce evidence of fire operations with the goal of minimizing future impacts to soil, water, and other sensitive resources.

Weather: Fire weather conditions will remain elevated today, as a dry southwesterly flow remains in place over the region. As a result, winds will once again become gusty from the southwest by early afternoon, particularly across exposed areas. Temperatures will warm into the 70s. A prolonged stretch of warm, dry, and breezy conditions are expected across the fire.

Closures and Restrictions: The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) have now issued an updated fire area, road and trail closure (No. 03-0728) to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Bear Trap Fire. This closure order expands the previous closure area to provide for continued firefighter safety during wildland fire suppression and emergency operations. This order supersedes the previous order No. 03-0726. Based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs have also implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the Magdalena Ranger District (No. 03-0724). Both closure orders and maps are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should stay away from Bear Trap Fire operations. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes unmanned aircraft, or drones. More information on the dangers drones pose to wildland firefighting aircraft and personnel on the ground can be found at https://www.nifc.gov/drones/.

Smoke: Smoke from the Bear Trap Fire and other nearby fires may be visible in the areas of Alamo, Datil, Magdalena, Socorro, Winston, and San Antonio, NM. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at the New Mexico Department of Health Environmental Public Health Tracking website: nmtracking.org. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Fire updates are posted on InciWeb, Cibola NF & NGs website, Facebook and Twitter pages, the NM Fire Information website.

Email: 2022.beartrap@firenet.gov•Phone: (928) 362-2906 •Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

SOUTHWEST AREA

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM

TEAM 4 – AARON HULBURD – INCIDENT COMMANDER

Red Flag conditions test the Bear Trap Fire

May 20, 2022 Daily Update
 

Acres: 21,687 acres

Containment: 28%

Cause: Undetermined

Total Personnel: 709

Start Date: May 1, 2022

Location: San Mateo Mountains, Magdalena Ranger District, Socorro County, NM

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass

Highlights: A Red Flag Warning has been issued for the Bear Trap Fire due to very low humidity and gusty winds. Critically dry conditions and wind gusts up to 35-40 miles per hour will test the strength of control lines throughout the east, south, and west sides of the fire. Under these challenging conditions, firefighters will focus their efforts on closely monitoring fire activity and preventing any fire spread beyond the established control lines. A daily operational briefing video explaining details of the Bear Trap Fire operations can be viewed on the Cibola National Forest Facebook page.

Operations: Ahead of the predicted winds, firefighters took advantage of mild weather conditions to further reinforce control lines yesterday. With dozerlines and handlines completed around the southern half of the fire, ground crews ignited interior fuels by hand while helicopter crew members ignited ridgetops from the air. These strategic firing operations help to strengthen control lines by building an already burnt path that widens the line and reduces the likelihood of fire moving across these designated boundaries. Today, firefighters are taking actions to prevent any fire spread during the high wind event, which could limit the use of aircraft. Ground crews are assigned around the fire area to monitor control lines, observe fire behavior, and extinguish any burning material near the lines.

Weather: Critical fire weather conditions will develop across the fire today, as stronger and gusty southwest winds combine with a very dry airmass. By late morning, these winds are expected to move from the upper elevations to the lower slopes, with gusty conditions persisting through the afternoon and early evening. Humidity will remain very low throughout the day with temperatures trending slightly downward.

Closures and Restrictions: The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) have now issued an updated fire area, road and trail closure (No. 03-0728) to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Bear Trap Fire. This closure order expands the previous closure area to provide for continued firefighter safety during wildland fire suppression and emergency operations. This order supersedes the previous order No. 03-0726. Based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs have also implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the Magdalena Ranger District (No. 03-0724). Both closure orders and maps are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should stay away from Bear Trap Fire operations. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes unmanned aircraft, or drones. More information on the dangers drones pose to wildland firefighting aircraft and personnel on the ground can be found at https://www.nifc.gov/drones/.

Smoke: Smoke from the Bear Trap Fire and other nearby fires may be visible in the areas of Alamo, Datil, Magdalena, Socorro, Winston, and San Antonio, NM. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at the New Mexico Department of Health Environmental Public Health Tracking website: nmtracking.org. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Fire updates are posted on InciWeb, Cibola NF & NGs website, Facebook and Twitter pages, the NM Fire Information website.

Email: 2022.beartrap@firenet.gov  •Phone: (928) 362-2906   •Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands
2113 Osuna Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
(505) 346-3900
www.fs.usda.gov/cibola
www.facebook.com/cibolanf
twitter.com/cibola_nf

Media Contact: Patricia E. Johnson
SM.FS.CibolaPAO@usda.gov
O: 505-346-3894
C: 505-850-2657

Bear Trap Fire Area, Road and Trail Closure Order
Magdalena Ranger District - San Mateo Mountains

Order Number 03-0728

Albuquerque, NM, May 19, 2022 – An Area, Road and Trail Closure (Order 03-0728) has been issued for National Forest System lands as described below and as depicted on the attached map as Exhibit A, within the Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, Socorro County, New Mexico. This Order will be effective on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 12:00 p.m., and shall remain in effect until September 1, 2022, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first. This Order supersedes Order No. 03-0726.

The purpose of this Order is to protect public from wildfire and post wildfire hazards and provide for firefighter safety during wildland fire suppression and emergency operations on the Bear Trap Fire.

RESTRICTED AREA & CLOSED ROADS AND TRAILS
The Restricted Area consists of all National Forest System (NFS) lands within the boundary beginning at the National Forest boundary where it intersects with NFS Road (FR) 549 and State Highway 52, then following the Forest boundary in a general south direction to where it intersects with FR 140 and County Road 33, then following FR 140 east to NFS Trail 90 (Post Canyon Trail), then following east along NFS Trails 90, 81 (Teepee Peak trail) and 86 (Cold Canyon trail) to FR 332, then following east along FR 332 to FR 974, then following FR 974 to FR 86, then following FR 86 east to the Forest boundary, then following the Forest boundary in a general northwest, then west, then south direction, back to the point of beginning at the intersection of the Forest boundary at FR 549 at State Highway 52.

The following NFS Roads that access the Restricted Area are closed to through traffic:
1) Forest Road 549 located at the North and South Forest Boundaries
2) Forest Road 476 at Forest Boundary
3) Forest Road 478 entire road
4) Forest Road 140 entire road
5) Forest Road 332 entire road
6) Forest Road 947 entire road
7) Forest Road 86 entire road
8) Forest Road 378 at Forest Boundary
9) Forest Road 330 at Forest Boundary
10) Forest Road 52 at Forest Boundary

The following NFS Trails are closed:
1. Trail 28
2. Trail 63
3. Trail 64
4. Trail 65
5. Trail 31
6. Trail 36
7. Trail 37
8. Trail 38
9. Trail 43
10. Trail 81
11. Trail 86
12. Trail 90
13. Trail 91
14. Trail 92
15. Trail 369

Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581(b)(7)).

For more information on Bear Trap Fire or this order contact:
Magdalena Ranger District Office: 575-854-2281
Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505-346-3900

The official order 03-0728 posted on the Cibola NF & NGs website under Alerts & Notices.

# # #

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

State of New Mexico

Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

Michelle Lujan Grisham
Governor

Sarah Cottrell Propst
Cabinet Secretary

Todd E. Leahy, JD, PhD
Deputy Cabinet Secretary

Laura McCarthy
Forestry Division Director

2022-02
SMOKING, FIREWORKS USE, CAMPFIRE, OPEN BURNING, OPEN FIRE, AND CERTAIN EQUIPMENT USE RESTRICTIONS FOR NEW MEXICO

Due to widespread drought conditions, extreme fire danger, fire frequency, and fire behavior, fire incidents pose threats to public safety, life, property, and natural resources. These heightened threats require the imposition of additional restrictions.

Pursuant to Section 68-2-16 and other sections of the Forest Conservation Act, NMSA 1978, Section 68-2-1 to 68-2-25, and 19.20.3 NMAC, Restrictions for Fire Prevention, the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, Forestry Division, State Forester, is updating the previous Fire Restrictions Order # 2022-01 and has placed the following restrictions on smoking, fireworks use, campfires, open fires, open burning, and operation of certain equipment (i.e. chainsaws, cutting torches, welders, grinders, and other similar equipment). Such activities as outlined below are prohibited, unless they are undertaken as outlined below or pursuant to the State Forester’s prior written approval, on non-municipal, non-federal, and non-tribal lands statewide. This order supersedes any previous Orders.

SMOKING AND CAMPFIRES ARE PROHIBITED UNLESS THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET AND FIREWORKS USE, OPEN BURNING, OPEN FIRES, AND CERTAIN EQUIPMENT USE ARE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED UNLESS THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET OR INDIVIDUAL WRITTEN EXCEPTIONS ARE OBTAINED:

“Open fire” means the use of any cooking, heating or ignition device using natural or artificial fuel that has either an open flame or requires that the heat source be placed physically within the device.

For purposes of the restrictions below, red flag fire danger days (red flag days) will be determined based on forecasts found on the National Weather Service Fire Weather Forecast for New Mexico website: https://www.weather.gov/abq/forecasts-fireweather.

Smoking is prohibited except in enclosed buildings, within vehicles equipped with ashtrays, and on paved or surfaced roads, developed recreation sites, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

Fireworks use is prohibited on lands covered wholly or in part in timber, brush, grass, grain, or other flammable vegetation. The State Forester is allowing entities seeking to hold public fireworks displays to request a written exception to this ban on fireworks, but only where the applicable local fire department approves the public fireworks display.

Campfires are prohibited, except as provided for herein. The State Forester grants an exception where cooking or heating devices use kerosene, white gas, or propane as a fuel in an improved camping area that is cleared of flammable vegetation for at least 30 feet or has a water source. New Mexico State Parks, State Game Commission lands managed by the Department of Game and Fish, and state trust lands managed by the State Land Office are included in this prohibition. For more information on your New Mexico State Parks, please visit https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/ or call 1-888-667-2757.

The State Forester is also allowing exceptions for charcoal grills and wood and coal stoves within yards associated with a residence or on the premises of a business (this exception for yards associated with a residence or on the premises of a business does not apply to those located within New Mexico State Parks, State Game Commission lands managed by the Department of Game and Fish, and state trust lands managed by the State Land Office).

Open burning. (i.e., burning of cropland, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning, or weed burning) is prohibited.

The State Forester may grant an exception to open burning of irrigated croplands, upon written request, if the following conditions are met:
1. the cropland is irrigated (this exception does not apply to non-irrigated croplands, fields, or rangelands);
2. burning is done with adequate planning and the local fire department and county dispatch are notified at least 24 hours in advance of any anticipated burning;
3. adequate personnel are present to monitor and control the bum to assure that it will not become an uncontrolled fire;
4. the burn area is secured from becoming uncontrolled at the end of daily operations; and
5. at the beginning of each day, before ignition, the person responsible for the bum notifies the local fire department responsible for fire protection and follows all local burning guidelines and 20.2.60.111 NMAC, Open Burning of Vegetative Material, related to state air quality.

If the State Forester grants a written request for an exception to open burning of irrigated croplands the exception shall be contingent upon the burning day not being a red flag day as determined by the National Weather Service and the sustained wind not exceeding 25 miles per hour in the area.

Flaring of gas is prohibited, except as outlined below.
1. Flaring that is needed for safety purposes, emergencies, and/or malfunctions as defined by 19.15.27 NMAC and 19.15.28 NMAC is not prohibited.
2. When ALL the following conditions are met, if flaring for purposes of 19.15.27.8(D) NMAC and 19.15.28.8(D) NMAC, the State Forester is allowing an exception without prior written approval:
• the day is not designated a red flag day as determined by the National Weather Service and the sustained wind does not exceed 25 miles per hour in the area; and
• the operator notifies the local fire department and county dispatch at least 24 hours in advance of anticipated flaring; if flaring is done by an automated system, then the operator shall provide the flaring schedule to the local fire department and county dispatch; and
• at least one adult is on site with communications equipment adequate to reach county dispatch and the local fire department in the event of a fire; the individual shall also be equipped with a shovel and a water backpack pump or other equipment to deliver water to suppress a fire; and
• the area is mowed and maintained at a length not to exceed four inches and all other flammable products or debris are cleared in the area by a distance one-and-one-half times the height of the flare stack.
3. If flaring is to take place at an unmanned facility, the State Forester may grant an exception, through written request, to the prohibition on open fires for the flaring of natural gas for purposes defined under 19.15.27.8(D) NMAC and 19.15.28.8(B) NMAC under the following conditions:
• the day is not designated a red flag day as determined by the National Weather Service and the sustained wind does not exceed 25 miles per hour in the area; and
• the area around the flare stack is mowed and maintained at a length not to exceed four inches and all other non-facility related flammable products or debris are cleared in the area by a distance three times the height of the flare stack.

Closures and restrictions on equipment use.
Fuelwood cutting, timber harvesting, and thinning activities. All fuelwood cutting, timber harvesting, and thinning activities are prohibited on red flag days. On non-red flag days, fuelwood cutting, timber harvesting, and thinning activities are prohibited during the most dangerous burning period between 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. The State Forester may grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis provided a written request is submitted for review.
The following requirements must be met and addressed in a submitted exception request for the State Forester to grant an exception request for prohibited or restricted fuelwood cutting, timber harvesting, and thinning activities.
1. At all times, equipment using combustible fuel must have a properly functioning spark arrester and a fire extinguisher and a shovel must be immediately available for each piece of operating equipment.
2. Chainsaws may not be operated between 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, except they may be used until 2:00 pm on landings cleared to mineral soil.
3. Loading is authorized to continue until 2:00 pm on landings cleared to mineral soil.
4. Operations on mineral soil involving road excavation, watering, grading, surfacing, and equipment maintenance may continue between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm.
5. A patrol must be posted on site during operations and for at least two hours after all equipment operations are completed. The patrol must be able to detect within five minutes, fires that may originate at the site of the equipment operation and be able to report a fire to the responsible protection agency within 15 minutes of detection.

Use of equipment for other purposes. Use of equipment that generates or may generate sparks (such as welders, cutting torches, grinders, or power saws), has an open flame, or uses combustible fuel in areas covered by timber, brush, grass, grain, or other flammable vegetation for a purpose other than fuelwood cutting, timber harvesting, or thinning is prohibited on red flag days. For non-red flag days use is prohibited during the most dangerous burning period between 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. unless the area is cleared of flammable vegetation for at least 30 feet and a water source is available on hand.

The State Forester may grant an exception when a written request ensures the following.
1. At all times, equipment using combustible fuel has a properly functioning spark arrester.
2. A fire extinguisher and shovel are immediately available for each piece of operating equipment.
3.A patrol is posted on site during operations and for at least two hours after all equipment operations are completed. The patrol must be able to detect within five minutes fires that may originate at the site of the equipment operation and be able to report a fire to the responsible protection agency within 15 minutes of detection.

Requesting exceptions.
The State Forester may allow exceptions upon receiving a written request and granting subsequent approval in writing. Information on how to request an exception is available at https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/.
An exception does not relieve a person from any civil or criminal liability associated with an uncontrolled fire, including costs associated with wildland fire suppression.
These restrictions become effective at 8:00 am, May 19, 2022 and will remain in effect until rescinded.

DONE THIS 19TH DAY OF MAY 2022
_____________________________________________
Laura McCarthy, State Forester
Forestry Division
______________________________________________
Sarah Cottrell Propst, Cabinet Secretary
Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

 SOUTHWEST AREA

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM

TEAM 4 – AARON HULBURD – INCIDENT COMMANDER

Aviation resources aid firefighters on the Bear Trap Fire

May 19, 2022 Daily Update
 

Acres: 19,148 acres

Containment: 28%

Cause: Undetermined

Total Personnel: 738

Start Date: May 1, 2022

Location: San Mateo Mountains, Magdalena Ranger District, Socorro County, NM

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass
 

Highlights: As firefighters continue to gain ground on the Bear Trap Fire, aviation resources are lending support through aerial ignitions, reconnaissance flights, and water bucket drops. Aircraft are used to complement the work completed by firefighters on the ground, working together to implement suppression tactics around the fire. A daily operational briefing video explaining details of the Bear Trap Fire operations can be viewed on the Cibola National Forest Facebook page.

Operations: Firefighters have successfully constructed control lines around the majority of the fire area, using a combination of existing roads, firelines constructed with hand tools and dozers, and natural features such as rocky cliffs that prevent fire spread. Once constructed, control lines are reinforced and widened by removing unburned vegetation between the main fire edge and the lines, either by directly cutting and removing the vegetation or by strategically igniting these fuels. In rugged terrain that is difficult to access, firefighters are dropping small spherical ignition devices from helicopters to ignite fuels on the ground. These aerial operations help produce a low intensity fire that moves slowly toward control lines, giving firefighters the time and space to hold the fire within the planned boundary. All of these strategies together help to rob the main fire of fuel, so it is less likely to gain intensity and spread beyond the established control lines. Firefighters continue to monitor fire behavior on all sides, although the bulk of resources have been assigned to the southern area where fire activity is highest. With fire activity decreasing in the north, crews are evaluating areas that may need repair following suppression activities.

Weather: Today will be somewhat breezier in the afternoon with winds from the southwest and west. Daytime conditions will remain critically dry with temperatures warmer than normal. Tomorrow will bring a critical fire weather day with increasingly windy, warm, and dry conditions over the fire.

Closures and Restrictions: The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) have issued a fire area closure, road and trails closure (No. 03-0726) to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Bear Trap Fire. Based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs have also implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the Magdalena Ranger District (No. 03-0724). Both closure orders and maps are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should stay away from Bear Trap Fire operations. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes unmanned aircraft, or drones. More information on the dangers drones pose to wildland firefighting aircraft and personnel on the ground can be found at https://www.nifc.gov/drones/.

Smoke: Smoke from the Bear Trap Fire and other nearby fires may be visible in the areas of Alamo, Datil, Magdalena, Socorro, Winston, and San Antonio, NM. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at the New Mexico Department of Health Environmental Public Health Tracking website: nmtracking.org. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Fire updates are posted on InciWeb, Cibola NF & NGs website, Facebook and Twitter pages, the NM Fire Information website.

Email: 2022.beartrap@firenet.gov

Phone: (928) 362-2906

Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM