NM State Fires

The New Mexico Forestry Division, along with other local, state and federal resources are responding to several wildfires in New Mexico. Fire activity in New Mexico and other states is leading to increased smoke conditions. Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.  

Here are updates on two of the fires burning in the State of New Mexico’s jurisdiction (non-federal, non-Tribal, and non-municipal lands).

Sunset  

Date / Time/ Situation: The Sunset fire started on Saturday (8/5/2023) around 1:30 p.m. south of Highway 70 between mile markers 296 and 297, midway between Capitan and Roswell. The lightning-caused fire is burning in brush and grass and has burned approximately 325 acres. Firefighting activity includes securing the fire line and utilizing slurry from single engine air tankers. The fire is 30% contained. 

Resources: 19 personnel are engaged in response. On Saturday, two volunteer firefighters were treated for medical related conditions and released early Sunday morning. 

Evacuations/closures: There are no evacuations or road closures. No structures are currently threatened. 

West 

Date / Time/ Situation: The West fire started in the late afternoon of August 1st on the Double H Ranch west of Magdalena, NM, 12 miles northeast of Cuba, NM. The lightning–caused fire has burned approximately 200 acres and is zero percent contained. Access to the fire is limited but crews are on scene and starting to secure the perimeter. Fire behavior has been low to moderate backing, flanking, and interior torching. The fire is receiving moderate rain. 

Resources: 12 personnel are engaged in response.  

Evacuations/closures: There are no evacuations or road closures.