Crews continue response to Mitt Fire on Smokey Bear Ranger District

Acres: .10

Start Date:  June 12, 2024

Location:  Capitan Mountains, East Mountain

Cause:  Lightning

Containment: 0%

Fuels: Single tree snag with brush understory

Personnel: 1 Type-3 engine, 1 Type-6

Crews remain on-scene at the Mitt Fire, a lighting-strike fire on East Mountain (Capitan Mountains) on the Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest.  The wildfire was detected on June 12, 2024, and was caused by lightning. The location is 12 miles northeast of Capitan.

The wildfire remains at .10 acres. The fire is exhibiting low-spread potential, and the probability of impacting values is low. The area surrounding the Mitt Fire in the Capitan Mountain Range has historically been the site of multiple lightning starts. In fire-adapted ecosystems, all options are considered, and at this time, a confine/contain strategy of using natural barriers based on values at risk and potential spread is the preferred option. The steep terrain and surrounding rock scree (loose and broken rock on steep terrain) make it unsafe to engage in the current location. Natural land features are also providing good barriers for the wildfire.

Heavy lightning strikes yesterday have also prompted a preventative reconnaissance flight for the entire forest to assess if any other lightning strikes may have occurred in the area. As of this report, no other lightning starts have been detected.

Barring any extreme developments, this is the final update on this incident for today, the next update will be provided tomorrow.