Middle Mesa Fire Update – Aug. 8

Firefighters making progress with containment on the Middle Mesa Fire

Acres: 4,838 
Start Date: August 1, 2025 
Location: 22 mi. west of Dulce, NM 
Cause: Lightning 
Personnel: 386
Fuels: Timber and brush 
Containment: 7% 
Resources:   7 crews | 23 engines | 2 helicopters | 2 bulldozers | 7 Water Tenders

Highlights: Firefighters are making progress with a full suppression strategy as they reach 7% containment on the fire. Containment on the fire is along the northwest flank near County Road 527 west toward Forest Road 218B.

Operations: While crews are making progress, a stagnant weather pattern of hot and dry conditions are testing fire lines and fueling activity across some areas of the fire. The weather along with wind gusts are creating spot fires across containment line on the north side of the fire. However, all the spot fires have been contained quickly by resources and continue being monitored. Most of the heat and increased activity is situated on the southeast and south sides, within drainages and canyons. On Thursday, water scoopers were ordered to support ground operations along that southern flank. Water scoopers are an effective aviation resource due to their ability to provide quick turnaround times and draft significant volumes of water where needed to assist firefighters on the ground. Navajo Lake is being used for the first time by scoopers as part of this aerial operation effort. Also, along the south flank, dozer operations established a containment line from the edge of the fire into Alamo Canyon. Hand crews are working in conjunction with the dozer to tie in additional line and secure the heavy equipment work. At the heel of the fire on the west side, firefighters are monitoring for heat and conducting mop up operations. While the fire has not grown significantly over the last 24 hours, dry thunderstorms forecast for the area with possible outflow winds could increase activity across the fire area and push the fire to the east and southeast. Fire operations are working closely with an Incident Meteorologist to ensure the safety of the public and firefighters.

Weather: Hot and very dry conditions will continue for the remainder of the week with a high temperature of 6 degrees above average each day and critically low minimum humidities.  

Smoke: For smoke information:  https://www.env.nm.gov/air-quality/fire-smoke-links/

Closures: There are no forest closures in effect. However, out of public and firefighter safety the public is urged not to go into the fire area. 

Evacuations: For evacuation information: https://www.rio-arriba.org/departments_and_divisions/sheriff.html

Safety: Drivers should use caution when traveling near the fire area. Drivers are asked to be mindful of firefighting equipment and resources around the fire area. As activity increases throughout the afternoon, smoke may impact nearby roads. Drivers should use caution when traveling around the fire aera.