Middle Mesa Fire Update – Aug. 12

Fire activity moderates significantly across entire perimeter

Acres: 5,031
Start Date: August 1, 2025 
Location: 22 mi. west of Dulce, NM 
Cause: Lightning 
Personnel: 426
Fuels: Timber and brush 
Containment: 66% 
Resources:   8 crews | 25 engines | 2 helicopters | 3 bulldozers | 11 water tenders

Highlights: Fire activity substantially decreased across the fire area despite persistent hot and dry conditions that create the potential for fire growth. The fire has remained in its footprint over the last 24 hours with containment at 66%.

Operations: Across the fire area resources continue their daily patrols, monitoring the firelines and checking for any heat and smokes that could compromise containment lines. Fire managers reported a significant decrease in fire activity across all areas with very little smoke showing. On Monday resources finished chipping cut brush on the southeast side of the fire. Today, road grading continues along Forest Road 218 to help with repair due to firefighting equipment along the road. This type of heavy equipment operations assists with overall fire suppression efforts. Through the duration of the incident, firefighters closely coordinate with Resource Advisors to limit disturbance to critical cultural resources and sites located throughout the fire area. As containment continues to increase daily, some resources are being reassigned to other high priority fires in the area. Although fire activity has decreased, resources remain on alert for any wind shifts or outflow winds as dry thunderstorms are forecast to move into the area over the next few days.

Weather: Dry thunderstorm chances remain 20% to 40% each afternoon and evening this week, highest on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. Unusually gusty easterly flow expected tonight before a return to southerly flow Wednesday. Minimum relative humidity stays in the upper single digits to low teens. 

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.