June 12, 2024 
Acres: Unknown
Start Date: June 12, 2024
Location: East Mountain, Smokey Bear Ranger District
Cause: Lightning
Containment: 0%
Fuels: Being determined
Personnel: Two engines, recon helicopter
Two engines and a surveillance helicopter have been sent to assess and engage with a lighting-strike fire on East Mountain in the Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest.
Crews are arriving on-scene, which is currently estimated to be a single-tree snag, to assess safety, values-at-risk, and strategize suppression tactics for the area. The steep and rocky terrain in the area are the primary concerns with direct engagement, so alternate strategies are being put in place in the event direct attack is not safe for ground responders.
Smoke will be visible in the areas of Ruidoso, Capitan, and communities in the area. The location is estimated to be 12 miles northeast of Capitan.
Heavy lightning strikes yesterday have also prompted a preventative reconnaissance flight for the entire Smokey Bear Ranger District area to assess if any other lightning strikes may have occurred in the area.
This is the first update on this incident, we will provide more information as it is available.
NM Fire Info 
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