SOUTHWEST AREA INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM

TEAM 4 – AARON HULBURD – INCIDENT COMMANDER
 

Firefighters make progress on control lines ahead of the Bear Trap Fire

May 18, 2022 Daily Update
 

 

Acres: 17,122 acres

Containment: 28%

Cause: Undetermined

Total Personnel: 667

Start Date: May 1, 2022

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

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass
 

 

Highlights: Firefighters have made significant progress on the construction of control lines ahead of the main fire, connecting hand lines and dozer lines into natural features such as ridges and cliffs as well as the existing road system. Despite exceptionally dry conditions, fire growth has been limited as the fire moves slowly against the wind and downslope. A daily operational briefing video explaining details of the Bear Trap Fire operations can be viewed on the Cibola National Forest Facebook page.

Operations: Although firefighters have observed some heat on the northern and eastern sides of the fire, there is very little fire movement through the previously burned areas. Crews are continuing control line construction to the southwest, followed by low intensity burning operations inside the lines near Grassy Lookout and Hudson Canyon. By removing excess vegetation ahead of the main fire, firefighters can limit the fire’s intensity to prevent it from crossing these lines. In the southeast, firefighters continue to evaluate fire behavior as they develop a plan to finish line construction into the Narrow Spring area. Helicopters are supporting firefighters on the ground by dropping water from specially designed buckets to cool down the fire as it approaches constructed lines. Crews are working with local Resource Advisors to follow general guidelines for the protection of sensitive resources, including threatened and endangered species habitat, while achieving incident objectives.

Weather: Today’s temperatures will be about 8 degrees higher than normal with light winds. These continued warm, dry, unstable, and breezy to windy afternoons are typical of mid-May in the Southwest, and are expected for the next few days. Temperatures should cool off later in the week but will likely be accompanied by increasing winds starting on Friday.

Closures: The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) have issued a fire area closure, road and trails closure to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Bear Trap Fire. The full closure order (No. 03-0726) and map are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices.

Restrictions: Based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the mountain districts, including the Magdalena Ranger District. The full order (No. 03-0724) and map 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
 

Neighboring fires contribute smoke over the Bear Trap Fire

May 17, 2022 Daily Update
 

 

Acres: 15,215 acres

Containment: 28%

Cause: Undetermined

Total Personnel: 629

Start Date: May 1, 2022

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

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass
 

 

Highlights: A weather system moved in from the west yesterday causing smoke from the nearby Black Fire on the Gila National Forest to combine with smoke from the Bear Trap Fire. Fire activity is now concentrated on the southern flank as it slowly advances to the southwest, fueled by dry conditions, high temperatures, and increasing winds. 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 continue to evaluate fire behavior on all sides, although activity is highest on the southern edge. Ahead of the main fire, crews are constructing control lines with a combination of hand tools and heavy equipment. Once control lines are constructed, firefighters are strategically applying fire inside these lines to consume vegetation between the lines and the edge of the fire. Fire progress has stopped at the northern perimeter as it reached the boundaries of previous wildfires. Despite high winds, fire activity was low to the east as tall ridges helped to block the winds and shelter the fire. On the south side, fire continued to spread slowly with lower intensity as it moved against the wind. Firefighters have completed dozer lines along Indian Spring Ridge to connect with the rock cliffs that serve as a natural barrier to fire. To the southwest, crews are using both hand and aerial ignition to help reduce fire intensity as the main fire approaches established control lines.

Weather: Winds helped push smoke from the Black Fire out of the area late yesterday. Weather conditions are expected to stay consistent today through Thursday. Temperatures will be 5-7 degrees higher than normal during the day with milder temperatures at night. Afternoons will be breezy and dry conditions will remain.

Closures: The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) have issued a fire area closure, road and trails closure to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Bear Trap Fire. The full closure order (No. 03-0726) and map are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices.

Restrictions: Based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the mountain districts, including the Magdalena Ranger District. The full order (No. 03-0724) and map 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 
OfficeHours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

  

SOUTHWEST AREA

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM

TEAM 4 – AARON HULBURD – INCIDENT COMMANDER

  

Bear Trap Fire experiences less fire spread in past 24 hours

May 16, 2022 Daily Update

  

Acres: 13,504 acres

Containment: 30%

Cause: Undetermined

Total Personnel: 540

Start Date: May 1, 2022

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

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass

 

Highlights: Despite exceptionally dry conditions, higher than normal temperatures, and increasing winds, the Bear Trap Fire experienced less spread in the past 24 hours. Firefighters continue to monitor fire activity to evaluate fire behavior and develop strategies to contain the fire as it advances further to the southwest. An operational briefing video explaining details of the Bear Trap Fire operations is available on the Cibola National Forest Facebook page.

Operations: Firefighters are continuing to suppress and control the fire, prioritizing firefighter and public safety while protecting and minimizing damage to valuable resources. In the northern areas of the fire, fire activity has decreased, containment lines are still holding, and areas previously burned by prescribed fires and wildfires continue to limit fire spread. This success in the north is allowing firefighters to focus on scouting the southern areas of the fire, where the fire continues to slowly back down the slopes. In these areas, crews are monitoring spread, improving roads, and constructing control lines to connect into natural barriers to stop the fire as it spreads to the southwest. More resources arrived yesterday, with some crews working throughout the night to provide 24-hour coverage over the fire. Just before dark, a small aerial ignition operation was conducted on the west side of Grassy Lookout near Hudson Canyon to help remove fuel ahead of the main fire.

Weather: Temperatures remain higher than normal, and yesterday’s temperatures were the warmest since the fire started. Winds are expected to pick up this afternoon bringing gusts from the southwest and west, accompanied by continued hot and very dry conditions.

Closures: The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) have issued a fire area closure, road and trails closure to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Bear Trap Fire. The full closure order (No. 03-0726) and map are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices.

Restrictions: Based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the mountain districts, including the Magdalena Ranger District. The full order (No. 03-0724) and map 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 may be visible in the surrounding areas of Alamo, Datil, Magdalena, Socorro, 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

 
 Historically dry conditions and high temperatures fuel the Bear Trap Fire

May 15, 2022 Daily Update

 
 Acres: 11,550 acres

Containment: 30%

Cause: Undetermined

Total Personnel: 540

Start Date: May 1, 2022

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

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass

 
 Highlights: Historically dry conditions and higher than normal temperatures along with increasing winds continue to test the Bear Trap Fire. These critical conditions are posing challenges to firefighters as the fire continues to advance further to the southeast. An operational briefing video explaining details of the Bear Trap Fire operations is now available on the Cibola National Forest Facebook page.

Operations: Firefighters are continuing to develop strategies to fully contain the fire, prioritizing firefighter and public safety while protecting valuable resources. To reduce impacts to sensitive natural and cultural resources, crews are working directly with Resource Advisors who have expert local knowledge of the area. On the northern end of the fire, containment lines are holding secure as firefighters move south along existing roads to clear vegetation to help improve access and reduce fuels. Areas previously burned by prescribed fires and wildfires are helping to limit fire spread to the northwest, northeast and east, but the main fire continues to slowly advance to the southeast. Firefighters are constructing control lines using a combination of hand tools and heavy equipment to improve roads and connect into natural barriers, such as rock cliffs, to stop fire spread to the south. Crews are strategically applying low intensity fire along main roads to the west and northwest to remove vegetation between the Bear Trap Road and the main fire.

Weather: Temperatures are creeping upward to about 10 degrees warmer than normal. Critically dry air will continue for the next few days. Winds are expecting to pick up by Sunday afternoon and into next week furthering fire weather concerns.

Closures: The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) have issued a fire area closure, road and trails closure to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Bear Trap Fire. The full closure order (No. 03-0726) and map are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices.

Restrictions: Based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the mountain districts, including the Magdalena Ranger District. The full order (No. 03-0724) and map 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 may be visible in the surrounding areas of Alamo, Datil, Magdalena, Socorro, 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 

Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team4 Assumes Command of Bear Trap Fire 

May 14, 2022 Daily Update
 
Acres: 9,563acres

Start Date: May 1, 2022

Cause: Undetermined

Containment: 31%

Total personnel: 483

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

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass

Highlights: The Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team4,led by Incident Commander Aaron Hulburd, assumed command of the Bear Trap Fire at 6:00 AM this morning, Saturday, May 14, 2022. The Type 2 Incident Management Team brings additional resources and management capabilities to implement a full suppression strategy for the Bear Trap Fire. 
 

Operations: As the Type 2 team assumes command, firefighters will develop strategies to fully contain the fire while protecting valuable resources in the area, including natural and cultural resources and infrastructure. On the northwestern end of the fire, some smoke exists well inside the fire line, but fire activity is expected to remain relatively quiet today. In the southwestern area of the fire, fire activity may pick up in the early evening as winds start to push down canyon. On the southeastern side, fire should continue to be active throughout the day. Increasing temperatures and historically dry conditions will continue to challenge firefighters throughout the week. Crews have been successful in limiting fire spread to the north, east, and west along previous prescribed fire scars to the northwest and wildfire scars to the northeast (2016 North Fire) and east (2015 Red Canyon Fire). Firefighters are working to identify containment options using the existing road system and these past fire scars.

Weather: Temperatures are creeping upward to about 10 degrees warmer than normal. Critically dry air will continue today and tomorrow. Winds will be light today increasing to slightly breezy by Sunday afternoon. Stronger afternoon winds are expected on Monday, further elevating fire weather concerns. 

Closures: The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) have issued a fire area closure, road and trails closure to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Bear Trap Fire. The full closure order (No. 03-0726) and map are available athttps://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices. 

Restrictions: Based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the mountain districts, including the Magdalena Ranger District. The full order (No. 03-0724) and map 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 may be visible in the surrounding areas of Alamo, Datil, Magdalena, Socorro, 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

Bear Trap Fire Area Closure, Road and Trails Closure

Area(s): Bear Trap Campground, Hughes Mill Campground

Date(s): May 3, 2022 - Sep 1, 2022

The Bear Trap Fire Area Closure, Road and Trails Closure Order 03-0726 has been issued for National Forest System lands within the Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, Socorro County, New Mexico. This Order will be effective on Tuesday May 3, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. and shall remain in effect until September 1, 2022, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

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.

Review the map at the bottom of this post for closed National Forest System roads (NFS), trails, trailheads and campgrounds included in this closure. A link to additional information is also found there.

Order Number: 03-0726

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST

MAGDALENA RANGER DISTRICT

BEAR TRAP FIRE AREA CLOSURE, ROAD, and TRAIL CLOSURE

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited

on the roads, trails, and within the area described in this Order (the “Restricted Area”) and as

depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, within the

Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, Socorro County, New Mexico.

1. Going into or being upon the Restricted Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).
2. Being on the road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
3. Being on the trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e) the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the

effect of this Order.

2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting

resource in the performance of an official duty.

3. Landowners crossing National Forest System lands to access their private property.

RESTRICTED AREA & CLOSED ROADS AND TRAILS

The Restricted Area consists of all National Forest System (NFS) lands within the boundary

beginning at the Forest Boundary at Forest Road 549 then following the Forest Boundary to the

west , closing Forest Road 476 then following the Forest Boundary to closed Forest Road 549

and 478 closing Forest Road 96 at the junction of 96 and 478, then across trails 63 an 31 just

north of West Red Canyon to the Eastern Forest Boundary near North Canyon to closed Forest

Road 330, following the Forest Boundary on the North East side to closed Forest Road 52, and

following the Forest Boundary back to the point of beginning at the Forest Boundary and Forest

Road 549

Order Number: 03-0726

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 330 at Forest Boundary

4) Forest Road 96 at Forest Road 478

5) Forest Road 220 entire road

6) Forest Road 138 entire road

The following NFS Trails are closed:

1. Trail 65
2. Trail 64
3. Trail 63
4. Trail 31
5. Trail 36
6. Trail 37
7. Trail 38
8. Trail 91
9. Trail 92

PURPOSE

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.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order will be effective on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at 5:00 p.m., and shall remain in

effect until September 1, 2022, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

2. A map identifying the Restricted Area and Road and Trail closures is attached and made

part of this Order as Exhibit A.

3. Any violation of the prohibitions in this Order is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by

a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for individuals and $10,000.00 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)).

4. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Cibola National Forest

Supervisors Office, 2113 Osuna Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, Phone # (505) 346-

3900, or the Magdalena Ranger District, 203 1st St. P.O. Box 45, Magdalena NM 87825,

Phone # (575) 854-2281.

5. This Order supersedes Order No. 03-0725 .

Done at Albuquerque, New Mexico this 3rd day of May, 2022.

___________________________

STEVE HATTENBACH

Forest Supervisor

Cibola National Forest

 Stage II Fire Restrictions Mt. Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair, and Sandia RDs

Date(s): Apr 28, 2022 - Dec 31, 2022

Based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are effective April 29th at 8:00 a.m. per Order 03-0724. This order is for all National Forest System lands, roads and trails within Mt. Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair, and Sandia Ranger Districts.  

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Prohibit*

• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire.
• Smoking.
• Blasting, welding, or operating a torch with open flame.
• Using an explosive of any kind. 
• Operating any equipment powered by an internal combustion engine.
• Driving off designated roads.

 

ORDER NO. 03-0724

-

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST & NATIONAL GRASSLANDS

 

STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited

within all National Forest System lands as described in this Order (the “Restricted Area”) and as

depicted on the attached maps, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibits A, within the

Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, Cibola, McKinley, Socorro, Catron, Sierra,

Torrance, Valencia, Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Lincoln, Counties within the State of New

Mexico.

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. 36 C.F.R. §

261.52(a).

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or

while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any

flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).

3. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(i).
4. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, on all lands and

trails, unless solely for the purpose of parking in an area that is devoid of vegetation

within 10 feet of the roadway, or in areas that are designated for parking within

developed recreation sites. 36 C.F.R. § 261.56.

5. Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine

between the hours of 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. §261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from the provisions in this

Order:

1. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the

effect of this Order.

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting

force in the performance of official duty.

3. Residents, owners and leases of land within the boundaries of the Cibola National Forest,

and holders of Forest Service recreation special use authorizations are exempt from

Prohibition #1, above, for fires that are within a fire structure in a designated area (see

Definitions at Exhibit B).

4. Persons operating generators with an approved spark arresting device in an area that is

barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of

the generator.

5. Persons using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or

liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.

RESTRICTED AREA

All National Forest System lands, roads and trails within the Cibola National Forest & National

Grasslands as depicted on the attached map at Exhibit A.

PURPOSE

To reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and severe fire

weather conditions.

 

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order will be in effect on April 29, 2022, at 8:00 AM, and shall remain in effect

until December 31, 2022 or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

2. A map identifying the Restricted Area is attached and made part of this Order as

Exhibit A.

3. Exhibit B, “Definitions,” is attached and incorporated into this Order.
4. Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not

more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, 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)).

5. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Mt. Taylor RD in Grants,

NM at 505-287-8833, Magdalena Ranger District in Magdalena, NM at 575-854-2281,

Mountainair Ranger District in Mountainair, NM at 505-847-2990, Sandia Ranger

District in Tijeras, NM at 505-281-3304, Kiowa Rita Blanca Grasslands in Clayton, NM

at 575-374-9652, and at the Cibola National Forest Supervisors Office in Albuquerque,

NM at 505-346-3900.

Done at Albuquerque, New Mexico this 27 day of April, 2022.

 STEVEN HATTENBACH

Forest Supervisor

Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands

ORDER NO. 03-0724

-

EXHIBIT B

STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS

DEFINITIONS:

DESIGNATED AREA: Developed recreation sites such as (campgrounds and picnic areas)

that are maintained and administered by the Forest Service, shown on the current Forest visitor

maps, and are equipped with permanent fire structures.

FIRE STRUCTURE: A permanent metal or concrete structure, which is specifically designed

for the purpose of containing a campfire or cooking fire that has been installed and maintained

by the Forest Service or equivalent.

STOVE FIRE: A fire built inside a fully enclosed metal stove, grill, or sheep herder type stove,

which is outfitted with a chimney that is at least five (5) feet in length and is equipped with a

spark arrestor consisting of a mesh screen with a screen opening of ¼ inch or less.

CHAIN SAW: A saw powered by an internal combustion engine, with cutting teeth linked in an

endless chain.

For further definitions or clarification of definitions, refer to 36 C.F.R. § 261.2.

 

Bear Trap Fire – May 13th UPDATE

Magdalena Ranger District - San Mateo Mountains

Incident Command: A type 2 incident management team will assume command of the Bear Trap fire on Saturday May 14th at 0600 with the Southwest Incident Management Team 4. Reported start date / time: May 1, 2022 – 1200     Cause: Undetermined.         Size: 8,158 acres Location: Bear Trap Canyon, San Mateo Mountains, Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs). Socorro County, NM. See Map Attached. Containment: 15%    Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass. Fire behavior: The Bear Trap Fire is exhibiting active fire behavior with moderate backing, uphill runs and isolated torching. Weather: Today: sunny, with a high near 80 with humidity in the single digits. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the evening.  https://www.weather.gov/.    Resources on scene – 340 personnel. Firefighters from the USFS, BLM, BIA, NMF, County, local and private contractors are on scene with 12-Type 6 Engines, 11-Type 2 Handcrew, 2-Type 2 & 1-Type 3 Helicopters, Overhead, Air Tankers, Water Tenders, and Retardant Drops. Strategy: The strategy for the Bear Trap Fire is full suppression. Values at risk: At this time, the fire is not a threat to any communities, and there are no evacuations in effect. Area Closure Order: An Area, Road and Trail Closure is in effect for the Bear Trap Fire per Order 03-0726 on May 3rd at 5:00 pm until Sept 1 or until rescinded, whichever occurs first. 03-0726 Closure Order Stage 2 Fire Restrictions: On April 28th based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the mountain districts to include the Magdalena Ranger District. Order 03-0724 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. Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease.
The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!” Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Alamo, Datil, Magdalena, Socorro 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 online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website nmtracking.org. An interactive smoke map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/, which allows you to zoom into areas to see the latest smoke conditions. All Bear Trap Fire updates will be posted on the Incident Information System (InciWeb) for Bear Trap Fire, Cibola NF & NGs website, New Mexico Fire Information website, and the Cibola NF & NGs Facebook  & Twitter pages.   For more information on Bear Trap Fire contact: Magdalena Ranger District Office: 575-854-2281  

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Bear Trap Fire – May 12th UPDATE

Magdalena Ranger District - San Mateo Mountains

Incident Command: New Mexico - Albuquerque Type 3 Team

Reported start date / time: May 1, 2022 – 1200

Cause: Undetermined.

Size: 7,552 acres

Location: Bear Trap Canyon, San Mateo Mountains, Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs). Socorro County, NM. See Map Attached.

Containment: 5%

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass.

Fire behavior: The Bear Trap Fire is exhibiting active fire behavior with isolated torching.

Weather: Temperature today will see a high near 78. West wind 5 to 15 mph. Daytime humidity at 5%, sunny and drought conditions. Tonight:  Mostly clear, with a low around 40. West wind around 10 mph. https://www.weather.gov/.

Resources on scene – 338 personnel. Firefighters from the USFS, BLM, BIA, NMF, County, local and private contractors are on scene with 12-Type 6 Engines, 9-Type 2 Handcrew, 2-Type 2 & 1-Type 3 Helicopters, Overhead, Air Tankers, Water Tenders, and Retardant Drops.

Strategy: The strategy for the Bear Trap Fire is full suppression.

Values at risk: At this time, the fire is not a threat to any communities, and there are no evacuations in effect.

Area Closure Order: An Area, Road and Trail Closure is in effect for the Bear Trap Fire per Order 03-0726 on May 3rd at 5:00 pm until Sept 1 or until rescinded, whichever occurs first. 03-0726 Closure Order

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions: On April 28th based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the mountain districts to include the Magdalena Ranger District. Order 03-0724

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.

Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!” Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Alamo, Datil, Magdalena, Socorro 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 online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website nmtracking.org. An interactive smoke map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/, which allows you to zoom into areas to see the latest smoke conditions.

All Bear Trap Fire updates will be posted on the Incident Information System (InciWeb) for Bear Trap Fire, Cibola NF & NGs website, New Mexico Fire Information website, and the Cibola NF & NGs Facebook  & Twitter pages.

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

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Bear Trap Fire – May 11th UPDATE

Magdalena Ranger District - San Mateo Mountains

Incident Command: New Mexico - Albuquerque Type 3 Team
Reported start date / time: May 1, 2022 – 1200
Cause: Undetermined.
Size: 7,249 acres
Location: Bear Trap Canyon, San Mateo Mountains, Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs). Socorro County, NM. See Map Attached.
Containment: 0%
Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass.
Fire behavior: The Bear Trap Fire is exhibiting active fire behavior with isolated torching.
Weather: Temperature today will see a high near 83 with 10% humidity, sunny and drought conditions. Windy, with a south wind 10 to 20 mph increasing to 20 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Breezy, with a southwest wind 20 to 25 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Red Flag Warning in effect May 11th from 11 am until 9 pm due to strong winds, low humidity and a very unstable atmosphere. https://www.weather.gov/.
Resources on scene – 318 personnel. Firefighters from the USFS, BLM, BIA, NMF, County, local and private contractors are on scene with 12-Type 6 Engines, 9-Type 2 Handcrew, 2-Type 2 & 1-Type 3 Helicopters, Overhead, Air Tankers, Water Tenders, and Retardant Drops.
Strategy: The strategy for the Bear Trap Fire is full suppression.
Values at risk: At this time, the fire is not a threat to any communities, and there are no evacuations in effect.

Area Closure Order: An Area, Road and Trail Closure is in effect for the Bear Trap Fire per Order 03-0726 on May 3rd at 5:00 pm until Sept 1 or until rescinded, whichever occurs first. 03-0726 Closure Order

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions: On April 28th based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola NF & NGs implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the mountain districts to include the Magdalena Ranger District. Order 03-0724

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. Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease.
The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”

Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Alamo, Datil, Magdalena, Socorro 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 online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website nmtracking.org. An interactive smoke map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/, which allows you to zoom into areas to see the latest smoke conditions.

All Bear Trap Fire updates will be posted on the Incident Information System (InciWeb) for Bear Trap Fire, Cibola NF & NGs website, New Mexico Fire Information website, and the Cibola NF & NGs Facebook  & Twitter pages.   For more information on Bear Trap Fire contact: Magdalena Ranger District Office: 575-854-2281 Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505-346-3900    

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