Cibola NF & National Grasslands – Vics Peak Fire Containment Increases

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 11,713 acres, with 98 personnel assigned.

A local district fire management team will begin today managing the Vics Peak Fire. The chance for moderate fire weather conditions will continue over the next few days. The potential for fire growth has slowed dramatically. Today, crews will continue to monitor the fire, rehabilitate recreation sites, fences, cultural sites, private land inholdings, and critical habitat located within the fire perimeter. Smoke impacts will be monitored and mitigated.  The perimeter of the fire area will be secured by using the road systems to patrol.

Weather: Significant shift in fire weather will have an impact on fire behavior. Fire behavior could get very active with any outflow winds. Today, increased moisture across the region will result in increased cloud development and chances for showers and thunderstorms. Any rainfall over the fire will be light and spotty through Sunday. Next week, some drying is expected, with little chance for moisture, returning to a drier fire weather pattern.

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: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/

Twitter: Cibola NF&Grasslands; (@Cibola_NF) https://twitter.com/cibola_nf?lang=en