Middle Mesa Fire Update – Aug. 10

Containment increases but fire still active near containment lines

Acres: 5,050
Start Date: August 1, 2025 
Location: 22 mi. west of Dulce, NM 
Cause: Lightning 
Personnel: 440
Fuels: Timber and brush 
Containment: 27% 
Resources:    7 crews | 28 engines | 3 helicopters | 4 bulldozers | 7 Water Tenders

Highlights: High winds caused trees to torch and increased fire activity on the northeast and southeast sides of the fire near containment lines. Containment lines continue to hold through the winds. Aerial operations supported ground resources with bucket drops just south of Trujillo Road in Carracas Canyon. Containment has increased to 27%.

Operations: Yesterday, containment was added along Forest Road 218A on the north side of the fire. Crews continued mopping up the northeast and southeast sides of the fire. Stagnant hot and dry conditions fueled activity and caused interior pockets of green trees and brush to burn, producing light smoke throughout the day Saturday. Near Alamo Canyon, firefighters continued patrolling and extinguishing heat, taking advantage of lower winds. Patrols also continued on the western perimeter of the fire, where fire activity is minimal. Today, firefighters will continue working in all areas of the fire to extinguish heat near the firelines. Engines and water tenders are supporting crews by delivering water to aid in the mop up operations. Fire managers are being thorough in this effort as any wind can create flareups and a single ember blown outside of the lines could cause challenges. They are also working side-by-side with Resource Advisors to avoid disturbing cultural sites. Additional resources from the Middle Mesa Fire are ready to respond to any new fire starts in the area.  

Weather: There is a 20% chance of dry thunderstorms today. Thunderstorms can bring gusty and erratic winds in excess of 45 mph. High temperatures will be in the 90s with low relative humidities as dry conditions continue. Winds will also be breezy in the afternoon and early evening. There are increasing moisture and thunderstorm chances Monday and Tuesday which could bring dry lightning.   

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.