Big Rosa Fire Contained on Magdalena Ranger District

Withington Wilderness – San Mateo Mountains

(Albuquerque, NM – June 18, 2026) — Yesterday firefighters responded to an aviation detected wildfire in eastern Withington Wilderness within the San Mateo Mountains. Ground crews located 2 lightning-struck trees. Firefighters actively engaged the fire to stop fire spread using direct extinguishment strategy. Crews remained on scene through the night and will continue to monitor conditions today.

Reported start date / Time: June 17, 2026 / 1252

Cause: Lightning.

Size: Estimate 1/10 acre.

Containment: 100%

Location: Remote mountainous terrain of eastern Withington Wilderness within San Mateo Mountains on the Magdalena Ranger District – New Mexico on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands.

Responding Resources: US Forest Service Magdalena Ranger District Engine 631 and Bitterroot National Forest Engine 631.

Fuels: Timber and grass.

Weather for Magdalena NM: Today: A slight chance of sprinkles after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Breezy, with a west wind 20 to 25 mph becoming north 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Tonight: slight chance of sprinkles before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. https://www.weather.gov/

This will be the only release on the Big Rosa Fire unless conditions or the situation warrants additional information.