MAGDALENA, N.M. (KRQE) – A lightning-caused fire started on the Magdalena Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest on Monday, June 15. The fire is burning in the Apache Kid Wilderness in the southern portion of the San Mateo Mountains.
- Location: Southern portion of the San Mateo Mountains, Apache Kid Wilderness–Vics Peak, Springtime Campground
- Containment: 50%
- Cause: Lightning
- Size: 13,477 acres
- Vegetation: Mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, piñon/juniper, mahogany
- Personnel: 19
- Closures: A 10-mile temporary flight restriction remains in place over the fire for the safety of aviation and ground resources. Forest Road 225 will be closed along with recreation trails leading into the Apache Kid Wilderness.
- Estimated Containment Date: Friday, July 31, 2020
- Structured burned: Springtime Campground was burned w/minimal damage
In an update on Tuesday, June 30, fire crews report a 10-mile temporary flight restriction remains in place around San Mateo Peak for the safety of aircraft and ground resources. Forest Road 225, Springtime Campground, Luna Park Campground and the folllowing trails that lead into Apache Kid Wilderness remain closed to the public, Apache Kid, Teepe Peak, Cowboy, Smith, Drift Fence, Milo, Nave, Coffee Pot, post, Cold Spring, Maverick, San Mateo, Skeleton Ridge, Indian Creek, and Shipman.
There is also a three-mile temporary road closure in place through Tuesday, June 30 on Forest Road 330 (Rosedale Road) between Rosedale and the turnoff to Grassy Lookout. As the weather is expected to be sunny with temperatures reaching around 82 degrees and wind gusts that are 15 to 20 miles per hour, there are elevated to near critical fire conditions on Tuesday.
Chances for showers decreases Tuesday, July 7 and Wednesday, July 8 as the weather tends to be drier. Strong winds from the west create the opportunity for localized critical conditions.
