July 14, 2020 
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.
Weather: The upper level area of high pressure will continue to slowly weaken and shift to the east and south of New Mexico this week, allowing moisture to invade the region. Cooler daytime highs will increase the chance for wetting showers and storms to develop over the region. In addition, these storms will bring drying conditions with erratic and gusty winds over western and central New Mexico on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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: http://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
NM Fire Info 
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