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 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.