Multiple small fresh wildfires broke out in the Zuni Mountains following scattered thunderstorms on June 26, a day after the Santa Fe National Forest recently enforced Stage II fire restrictions. But lightning-induced fires continue to challenge local crews.
Firefighters successfully contained the Foster Fire in the Zuni Mountains using direct extinguishment. Officials reported low fire behavior, with the blaze burning a quarter of an acre. Crews also contained the nearby Rose Fire, which was held to one-tenth of an acre, using direct extinguishment.
The U.S. Forest Service, Cibola National Forest Crew-32, and aviation support responded to both scenes to achieve full containment.
Fresh Wildfires Start Near Tres Piedras, Beehive
Firefighters are actively battling fresh wildfires.
A new wildfire broke out near Tres Piedras. Officials estimate the fire is between 3 and 4 acres. The fire exhibited moderate behavior, with 2-to 4-foot flame lengths and isolated burning.
The fire was spotted during a routine detection flight ordered to survey the forest following lightning activity on June 16.
Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire. The said there are currently no evacuation orders or immediate threats to structures.
Firefighting crew remains on the scene of the Beehive Fire, which has burned some 80 acres with zero containment. With less intense fire behavior, crews plan a burnout between Forest Road 80 and Willow Tank to clear fuels and protect nearby private property.
Officials expect to assign between 65 and 75 personnel to the incident tomorrow. A Type 1 Black Hawk helicopter will support the deployment.
The Beehive Fire was first reported around 1 p.m. on June 25, north of U.S. Highway 64 in the Tusas Valley, about 15 miles west of Tres Piedras. Some areas of the forest received widespread, prolonged rain, but the immediate fire area received only minimal precipitation.
Despite widespread, prolonged rain in some areas of the forest, the fire area received minimal amounts.
Update As Of June 26 on Beehive Fire
Firefighters still remain on scene of the fire, which has grown to an estimated 80 acres with 0% containment.
With less intense fire behavior, tonight’s activities include a burnout operation between Forest Service Road 80 and the Willow Tank to reduce fuels between the fire and private land.
Update As Of June 27 on Beehive Fire
Firefighters are on the scene this morning, working toward containing the fire, which remains at 80 acres with zero percent containment.
They have been taking advantage of moderate morning temperatures and creeping fire behavior to burn fuels on the north flank along Forest Service Road 80 and on the east flank, continuing last night’s work along a private property boundary. Meanwhile, a Type 3 helicopter has been ordered to assist.
By 12:45 p.m., a recent aerial survey showed that the fire is 400 acres. This includes the acreage treated during last night’s and this morning’s strategic burnout operations and unburned areas within planned control lines.
Update as of June 27 on Beehive Fire
The Beehive Fire rapidly grew this afternoon, pushed by winds and strong gusts under a Red Flag Warning. It is estimated 1,864 acres with zero percent containment and even reaching the Lamy Peak area.
Crews are now working in coordination with water-dropping helicopters to pick up spot fires and establish anchor points for building control lines. Six dozers have already been ordered, two of which are scheduled to arrive tonight, and we will begin constructing control lines tomorrow.
There is no evacuation at the moment, however heavy smoke has been impacting Highway 285 between Tres Piedras and Colorado border. Authorities urged the drivers to take caution and slow down.
Due to the complexity of the case, Carson National Forest Fire managers have ordered the Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team to manage the fire.
The transition of authorities will take place over the next two days.
Update as of June 28 on Beehive Fire
Around 200 crews are on the scene since morning, continuing to work to build control line off Forest Service roads and from natural barriers.
With no infrared flight last night, the fire’s estimated size remains at 1,684 with zero percent containment. The National Weather Service forecasts another Red Flag Warning between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. followed by a Fire Weather Watch on Monday.
Meanwhile, the fire has grown to an estimated 2,236 acres with zero percent containment. Most of the growth was on the fire’s flanks while its head did not significantly progress, remaining in the Lamy Peak area.
Helicopters and air tankers worked on the fire when winds allowed while dozers and ground crews focused on building control lines. A night shift will patrol the area this evening, focusing on structures on nearby private properties.
Even the affected area is big, there is no Red Flag Warnings or other active watches, warning, or advisories forecasted for that area at this time.
Update As Of June 29 on Beehive Fire
An overnight infrared flight gave Beehive Fire managers more accurate look at the fire current size, which is 3,121 acres. There was no significant growth overnight.
The Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the fire management today at 6 a.m. Meanwhile, crews are back on scene, using direct extinguishment strategy, stopping the flames at the fire’s edge, as much as possible, focusing on protecting private land within the forest.
The containment remains at zero percent. While there is no Red Flag Warning today, winds forecast are to be 20-25 mph. with gusts up to 35 mph.
Meanwhile, fire managers are asking drivers to take caution and slow down when in the area, as heavy smokes are occurring along highways 64 and 285. While, hikers on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail may want to consider skipping the section between Hopewell Lake and the Rio Grande National Forest.
