Horsethief Fire Update – November 14, 2023

Fire managers continue to monitor the remote lightning-caused Horsethief fire in the Pecos Wilderness. The wildland fire was discovered Wednesday, November 1 and is 5-7 acres. There are currently no evacuations or threats to communities or infrastructure from the fire.

Located north of National Forest System (NFS) Trail 288 (Cave Creek) approximately 3 miles northeast of Panchuela Trailhead. Fire behavior is minimal, burning at low intensity. Smoke remains visible from the surrounding area. The fire is in a very remote location with steep and rugged terrain, therefore access causes safety issues. Fire managers are currently observing the fire from Forest Road (FR) 555 to ensure appropriate monitoring as well as firefighter safety.   

Fire managers are considering long-term fire spread potential, fire history in the area, seasonal weather patterns, resource availability and other factors as they develop a plan to manage the Horsethief fire. According to the National Weather Service, precipitation is expected this weekend in the fire area and fire managers anticipate this will slow fire activity. 

The Pecos/Las Vegas District recommends forest users avoid the fire area in the Pecos Wilderness, north of Cave Creek (trail #288) and south of Horsethief Creek. The SFNF is evaluating the need for a temporary closure order in the area and will provide updated information on the SFNF Facebook, SFNF Website, and NM Fire Info.