July 17, 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 14,624 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: 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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