Final Update on Gallo Wildfire on Mountainair Ranger District

July 17, 2026 by cibolanfng 0 Comments

Manzano Mountain Wilderness

Albuquerque, NM – July 17, 2026 — Due to yesterday’s threatening weather, response to the Gallo lightning strike wildfire in the Manzano Mountain Wilderness was suspended till today for firefighter safety.

This morning, local fire crews gained access utilizing a type 3 helicopter for personnel and cargo transport to fire area. Firefighters are actively engaging to stop fire spread using direct extinguishment strategy. Fire crews will continue to actively engage in suppression efforts on the fire until it is declared out.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should avoid the fire areas. Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”.

Reported Date / Time: July 16, 2026 / 1100.
Cause: Lightning Size: est. 1/10 acre.
Location: Remote mountainous terrain east of Gallo Peak, in the Manzano Mountain Wilderness within the Mountainair Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest.
Resources: U.S. Forest Service.
Strategy: Direct Extinguishment Strategy.
Fuels: Timber and dead & down.
Fire Behavior: Low.
Smoke may be visible from Manzano, Torreon and the surrounding areas of the east Manzano Mountains.

This will be the final update on the Gallo Wildfire unless conditions or the situation warrants additional information.

Weather forecast for Mountainair, NM: This Afternoon (July 17): Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between noon and 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Southwest wind around 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the evening. Saturday (July 18): Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between noon and 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 3pm. Sunny through mid-morning, then becoming mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. https://www.weather.gov/