Vics Peak Fire 100% contained, burned 14,624 acres

Final Update August 4, 2020

Posted: Jun 15, 2020 / 09:53 AM MDT / Updated: Aug 4, 2020 / 09:43 AM MDT

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 burned on the Apache Kid Wilderness in the southern portion of the San Mateo Mountains.

Start Date: June 15 | Final Update August 4, 2020
Location: Southern portion of the San Mateo Mountains, Apache Kid Wilderness–Vics Peak, Springtime Campground
Containment: 100%
Cause: Lightning
Size: 14,624 acres
Vegetation: Mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, piñon/juniper, mahogany
Personnel: 12
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.
Structured burned: Springtime Campground was burned w/minimal damage

In an update on August 4, Forest Road 225, Springtime Campground, Luna Park Campground, and the following trails leading into Apache Kid Wilderness remain closed to the public: Apache Kid, Teepee Peak, Cowboy, Smith, Drift Fence, Milo, Nave, Coffee Pot, Post, Cold Spring, Maverick, San Mateo, Skeleton Ridge, Indian Creek, and Shipman.

The areas are closed for safety reasons in respect to the potential for flash flooding and debris flow.

Map of 2020 Wildfires in New Mexico

More Wildfires Stories

Planned pile burns expected to continue in Santa Fe National Forest

SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Due to favorable weather conditions including forecasted snow, the Santa Fe National Forest hopes to implement the previously announced Pacheco Canyon prescribed pile burn. The 106-acre pile burn is expected to take place on the Española Ranger District as early as next week.

According to a news release, the pile burn is part of the 2,042-acre forest restoration project called the Pacheco Canyon Forest Resiliency Project. The release also states that the restoration project "was instrumental in keeping the lightning-caused Medio Fire from crossing Forest Road (FR) 102 and threatening significant values at risk, including the Santa Fe ski basin and municipal watershed."

Read the Full Article

Four prescribed burns planned for parts of New Mexico

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) –Starting Monday, Jan. 11, the Bureau of Land Management plans to implement four prescribed burns. Officials say the exact timing of the burns depends on weather conditions.

The Mesa Chivato prescribed burn will take place within the Ignacio Chavez and Chamisa Wilderness Study Areas which is west of Highway 550 and 15 miles southwest of San Luis, N.M., in Sandoval and McKinley counties. The prescribed burn aims to target about 500 acres. Fire mangers also estimate it will take two to four days to complete.

Read the Full Article

Prescribed burns planned for Bandelier National Monument

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (KRQE) – The National Park Service is planning to have prescribed burns in Bandelier National Monument starting as early as Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. According to a news release from the National Park Service, the prescribed burns are expected to continue through the end of winter and will occur in thinned areas.

Depending on weather and fuel conditions, the burn operations will be completed in phases over several days. The release also states that the purpose of these burns is to reduce hazardous fuels and the chance for future high-intensity wildfires.