Magdalena, NM – For Immediate Release – The lightning-caused Vics Peak Fire, burning on the Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest since June 15, has grown to 14,624 acres, with 31 personnel assigned.

Minimal fire behavior was observed over the Vicks Peak Fire yesterday.  The primary area of fire activity remains west from West Blue Mountain into the head of Kelly Canyon. Today, fire crews will focus efforts on completing constructing control features along Forest Roads and trails to limit future fire progression to the north and west.

 Weather: Monsoon moisture will continue through at least next week.  Daily rounds of showers and thunderstorms will continue.  Storm motion will be to the north and northeast through Friday, then will become variable and very slow this weekend into next week.  Flash Flooding will become more of a concern, especially in recent fire scars.

Safety:  Daily chances of flooding could occur in and around the fire area.  The potential in the Monticello and San Mateo Drainages as well throughout the San Mateo Mountains is possible.  In the fire area the safety of the public and firefighters is always the top priority in wildland fire operations.  When driving Forest Roads during approaching storms, please drive carefully, reduce speed, drive with your lights on and “turn around don’t down at water crossings.  Also, when hiking trails, “when thunder roars” go indoors” stay away from ridge tops and seek lower elevations until thunderstorms pass.  For Flash flooding alerts and safety information, visit the National Weather Service website at: http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood. Vics Peak Fire operations include best management practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within crews/operations and the general public. Medical teams have been placed near all crew camps and operational work areas to support firefighters. The public is reminded to avoid the use of unmanned aerial systems (drones) near wildfires (https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/uas/if-you-fly).

Smoke: Smoke over the fire area has been moderate and will continue to be visible from I-25, NM-1, and NM-107. The Forest Service will coordinate with the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the New Mexico Environment Department and Department of Health to issue any needed alerts. Additional information can be found at http://nmtracking.org/fire.

Closures: A 10-mile temporary flight restriction remains in place around San Mateo Peak for the safety of all aircraft and ground resources. Forest Road 225, Springtime Campground, Luna Park Campground, and the following trails leading into Apache Kid Wilderness remain closed to the public: Apache Kid, Teepee Peak, Cowboy, Smith, Drift Fence, Milo, Nave, Coffee Pot, Post, Cold Spring, Maverick, San Mateo, Skeleton Ridge, Indian Creek, and Shipman.

Vics Peak Fire Information: 575-418-7875, 2020.vicspeak@firenet.gov

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6788/

New Mexico Fire Information: www.nmfireinfo.com

Facebook: Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (@cibolanf) https://www.facebook.com/cibolanf/

As monsoonal moisture takes over the area of western NM and southeast AZ smoke impacts are not expected to affect downwind communities or travelways in western NM today and through the weekend.

This is the final Outlook for the Vics Peak Fire for the time being

Hotlink to Western NM Smoke Outlook: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternNewMexico

 https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternNewMexico

Magdalena, NM – For Immediate Release – The lightning-caused Vics Peak Fire, burning on the Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest since June 15, has grown to 14,624 acres, with 31 personnel assigned.

Light fire behavior was observed over the Vicks Peak Fire yesterday.  The primary area of fire progression remains west from West Blue Mountain into the head of Kelly Canyon. Today, fire crews will focus efforts on completing constructing control features along Forest Roads and trails to limit future fire progression to the north and west.

Weather: Monsoon moisture is here to stay through at least the next week.  The placement and strength of the showers and storms may change a little each day, but coverage will be widespread each afternoon and evening. Storms motion will be slow, leading to the potential for flash flooding, especially on recent fire scars. 

Safety:  Daily chances of flooding could occur in and around the fire area.  The potential in the Monticello and San Mateo Drainages as well throughout the San Mateo Mountains is possible.  In the fire area the safety of the public and firefighters is always the top priority in wildland fire operations.  When driving Forest Roads during approaching storms, please drive carefully, reduce speed, drive with your lights on and “turn around don’t down at water crossings.  Also, when hiking trails, “when thunder roars” go indoors” stay away from ridge tops and seek lower elevations until thunderstorms pass.  For Flash flooding alerts and safety information, visit the National Weather Service website at: http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood. Vics Peak Fire operations include best management practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within crews/operations and the general public. Medical teams have been placed near all crew camps and operational work areas to support firefighters. The public is reminded to avoid the use of unmanned aerial systems (drones) near wildfires (https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/uas/if-you-fly). 

Smoke: Smoke over the fire area has been moderate and will continue to be visible from I-25, NM-1, and NM-107. The Forest Service will coordinate with the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the New Mexico Environment Department and Department of Health to issue any needed alerts. Additional information can be found at http://nmtracking.org/fire.

Closures: A 10-mile temporary flight restriction remains in place around San Mateo Peak for the safety of all aircraft and ground resources. Forest Road 225, Springtime Campground, Luna Park Campground, and the following trails leading into Apache Kid Wilderness remain closed to the public: Apache Kid, Teepee Peak, Cowboy, Smith, Drift Fence, Milo, Nave, Coffee Pot, Post, Cold Spring, Maverick, San Mateo, Skeleton Ridge, Indian Creek, and Shipman.

Vics Peak Fire Information: 575-418-7875, 2020.vicspeak@firenet.gov

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6788/

New Mexico Fire Information: www.nmfireinfo.com

Facebook: Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (@cibolanf) https://www.facebook.com/cibolanf/

Magdalena, NM – For Immediate Release – The lightning-caused Vics Peak Fire, burning on the Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest since June 15, has grown to 14,624 acres, with 31 personnel assigned.  

Light fire behavior was observed over the Vicks Peak Fire yesterday.  The primary area of fire progression remains west from West Blue Mountain into the head of Kelly Canyon, Post Canyon and north towards Coffee Pot Canyon backing and creeping in the 1994 Coffee Pot Fire footprint.  Today, fire crews will focus efforts on completing constructing control features along Forest Roads and trails to limit future fire progression to the north and west.

Weather: The heat continues today with an unstable atmosphere in place and the potential for more lighting starts given a mix of wet and dry storms. With high pressure to the east of the state on Thursday, monsoon moisture will increase over the area and result in a decent round of wetting storms.  Going forward through early next week, daily rounds of wetting storms with temperatures at or slightly above normal will be the rule as plenty of moisture remains in place.

Safety:  Given the predicted weather and potential for monsoon moisture there is an increased daily chance of flooding in and around the fire area.  The effects from this has the potential to be seen through Monticello and San Mateo Drainages as well throughout the San Mateo Mountains.  In the fire area the safety of the public and firefighters is always the top priority in wildland fire operations. Vics Peak Fire operations include best management practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within crews/operations and the general public. Medical teams have been placed near all crew camps and operational work areas to support firefighters. The public is reminded to avoid the use of unmanned aerial systems (drones) near wildfires (https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/uas/if-you-fly).

Smoke: Smoke over the fire area has been moderate and will continue to be visible from I-25, NM-1, and NM-107. The Forest Service will coordinate with the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the New Mexico Environment Department and Department of Health to issue any needed alerts. Additional information can be found at http://nmtracking.org/fire.

Closures: A 10-mile temporary flight restriction remains in place around San Mateo Peak for the safety of all aircraft and ground resources. Forest Road 225, Springtime Campground, Luna Park Campground, and the following trails leading into Apache Kid Wilderness remain closed to the public: Apache Kid, Teepee Peak, Cowboy, Smith, Drift Fence, Milo, Nave, Coffee Pot, Post, Cold Spring, Maverick, San Mateo, Skeleton Ridge, Indian Creek, and Shipman.

Vics Peak Fire Information: 575-418-7875, 2020.vicspeak@firenet.gov

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6788/

New Mexico Fire Information: www.nmfireinfo.com

Facebook: Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (@cibolanf) https://www.facebook.com/cibolanf/

Magdalena, NM – For Immediate Release – The lightning-caused Vics Peak Fire, burning on the Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest since June 15, has grown to 14,698 acres, with 31 personnel assigned. Light to Moderate fire behavior again continued over the Vicks Peak Fire yesterday.  The primary area of fire progression remains west from West Blue Mountain into the head of Kelly, Post and north towards Coffee Pot canyons flanking and backing in the 1994 Coffee Pot Fire footprint.  Today, fire crews will focus efforts on constructing control features along Forest Roads and trails in the northwest fire area to protect range infrastructures, cultural sites and critical habitat within the fire perimeter. Crews will continue to evaluate the need for aerial firing.

Magdalena, NM – For Immediate Release – The lightning-caused Vics Peak Fire, burning on the Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest since June 15, has grown to 14,598 acres, with 24 personnel assigned. 

Light to Moderate fire behavior continued over the Vicks Peak Fire yesterday.  The primary area of fire progression was north and west from West Blue Mountain into the head of Kelly, Post and Coffee Pot Canyons flanking and backing in the 1994 Coffee Pot Fire footprint.  Today, fire crews will continue to focus efforts on constructing control features along Forest Roads and trails in the northwest fire area to protect range infrastructures, cultural sites and critical habitat within the fire perimeter. Crews will continue to evaluate the need for aerial firing.

Weather: The area of high pressure will slowly weaken and shift to the east and south this week, allowing for more moisture to invade western and northern New Mexico, leading to gradually cooler daytime highs and increasing areal coverage with a chance for wetting showers and storms.  Some drier weather with gusty winds will continue to occur over western New Mexico Monday and Tuesday before becoming wetter.   Storms will be generally to the east this afternoon and evening.

Safety: Safety of the public and firefighters is always the top priority in wildland fire operations. Vics Peak Fire operations include best management practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within firefighter crews/operations and within the general public. Medical teams have been placed near all crew camps and operational work areas to support firefighters. The public is reminded to avoid the use of unmanned aerial systems (drones) near wildfires (https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/uas/if-you-fly).

Smoke: Smoke over the fire area has been moderate and will continue to be visible from I-25, NM-1, and NM-107. The Forest Service will coordinate with the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the New Mexico, Environment Department and Department of Health to issue any needed alerts. Additional information can be found at http://nmtracking.org/fire.

Closures: A 10-mile temporary flight restriction remains in place around San Mateo Peak for the safety of all aircraft and ground resources. Forest Road 225, Springtime Campground, Luna Park Campground, and the following trails leading into Apache Kid Wilderness remain closed to the public: Apache Kid, Teepee Peak, Cowboy, Smith, Drift Fence, Milo, Nave, Coffee Pot, Post, Cold Spring, Maverick, San Mateo, Skeleton Ridge, Indian Creek, and Shipman.

Vics Peak Fire Information: 575-418-7875, 2020.vicspeak@firenet.gov

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6788/

New Mexico Fire Information: www.nmfireinfo.com

Facebook: Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (@cibolanf) https://www.facebook.com/cibolanf/

Magdalena, NM – For Immediate Release – The lightning-caused Vics Peak Fire, burning on the Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest since June 15, has grown to 14,328 acres, with 24 personnel assigned.

Light to Moderate fire behavior continued over the Vicks Peak Fire yesterday.  The primary area of fire progression was north and west from West Blue Mountain, flanking and backing in the 1994 Coffee Pot Fire footprint. Limited aerial ignitions occurred in the evening in the near cub spring in an effort to mitigate high severity fire effects.  Today, fire crews will continue to focus efforts on constructing control features along Forest Roads and trails in the northwest fire area to protect range infrastructures, cultural sites and critical habitat within the fire perimeter. Crews will continue to evaluate the need for aerial firing.

Weather: Record heat to continue Sunday with an unstable airmass while mid-level moisture circulates into western New Mexico and a moist surface boundary sags into the northeast part of New Mexico.  A mix of wet and dry afternoon and evening thunderstorms could develop over the west and central mountain chain, as well as develop in the northeastern part of New Mexico.  The upper high will temporarily shift to the east early next week, allowing for a better chance of wetting showers and storms with a slight cooldown from high temperatures.

Safety: Safety of the public and firefighters is always the top priority in wildland fire operations. Vics Peak Fire perations include best management practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within firefighter crews/operations and within the general public. Medical teams have been placed near all crew camps and operational work areas to support firefighters. The public is reminded to avoid the use of unmanned aerial systems (drones) near wildfires (https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/uas/if-you-fly).

Smoke: Smoke over the fire area has been moderate and will continue to be visible from I-25, NM-1, and NM-107. The Forest Service will coordinate with the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the New Mexico Environment Department and Department of Health to issue any needed alerts. Additional information can be found t http://nmtracking.org/fire.

Closures: A 10-mile temporary flight restriction remains in place around San Mateo Peak for the safety of all aircraft and ground resources. Forest Road 225, Springtime Campground, Luna Park Campground, and the following trails leading into Apache Kid Wilderness remain closed to the public: Apache Kid, Teepee Peak, Cowboy, Smith, Drift Fence, Milo, Nave, Coffee Pot, Post, Cold Spring, Maverick, San Mateo, Skeleton Ridge, Indian Creek, and Shipman.

Vics Peak Fire Information: 575-418-7875, 2020.vicspeak@firenet.gov

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6788/

New Mexico Fire Information: www.nmfireinfo.com

Facebook: Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (@cibolanf) https://www.facebook.com/cibolanf/