Middle Mesa Fire Update – Aug. 9

Firefighters add more containment but weather still a concern

Acres: 5,010 
Start Date: August 1, 2025 
Location: 22 mi. west of Dulce, NM 
Cause: Lightning 
Personnel: 436
Fuels: Timber and brush 
Containment: 15% 
Resources:   5 crews | 24 engines | 3 helicopters | 2 bulldozers | 7 Water Tenders

Highlights: Decisive action from firefighters increased containment to 15%. Containment increased along Forest Road 218 from the junction of Forest Road 218B east to and along Forest Road 218A.

Operations: Across the entire fire’s edge, crews are mopping up, extinguishing hot spots and patrolling. The fire is burning most actively in Alamo Canyon on the south and southwest sides and ground resources coordinated helicopter water drops to help extinguish the flames yesterday. Scattered heat was also observed in Tio Quinto Canyon, but it is far from the perimeter and not currently threatening the established firelines. Crews maintained a heavy presence on the southeast side of the fire patrolling, mopping up hotspots and monitoring interior pockets of heat in Devil’s Canyon. Today crews will continue mopping up hot spots and securing the edge of the fire to prevent hot spots. A road grader is also improving Forest Road 218 to allow firefighters to safely travel in the area. Dry thunderstorms continue to be a threat that can produce high winds and increase fire activity. Firefighters are also ready for any new fire starts in the area and will respond aggressively.

Weather: There will be a slight chance of thunderstorms through Saturday with increasing moisture and thunderstorm chances Sunday and Monday. Through next week daily temperatures will be in the 90s with low relative humidity levels. Afternoon winds are expected to gust up to 30 mph in the afternoon out of the west to southwest. Any thunderstorms that do develop near the fire area will have the potential for wind gusts to 45+ mph, outflow winds changing the wind direction, and dangerous lightning strikes.

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.