Mestenas Canyon Fire Update: Crews Continue to Monitor

Crews remain on scene of the Mestenas Canyon Fire. The fire is currently estimated at 70 acres with no containment. There is potential for smoke impacts on Highway 64 and surrounding areas.

The fire’s origin point is deep in a canyon surrounded by rocky cliff bands and numerous snags. For firefighter safety, crews are monitoring the blaze while fire managers develop suppression decision points for containment.

Fire behavior is currently light. Precipitation is likely later this week, according to the National Weather Service point forecast for the area.

The Mestenas Canyon Fire was caused by lightning and first reported on July 11. It is located about 10 miles southwest of Dulce, N.M., on the Jicarilla Ranger District and two miles north of Highway 64 in Mestenas Canyon.