This morning at approximately 10:50 a.m., a fire was reported on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation near the south fork of the Rio Ruidoso, near Mescalero Cabins and Upper Canyon.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Mescalero Agency is the lead agency responding to this incident and is implementing a “Full Suppression” response.  The fire is 18 acres and growing and there is spotting ahead of the fire. Ground resources were pulled back from the fire line because of increased fire activity which made it too dangerous for a direct attack by firefighters  – fire suppression is occurring by air only at this time. Currently, there is one hot shot crew, 1 large air tanker, and 3 helicopters on scene. Another large air tanker and another helicopter have been ordered and are on their way. 2 more hotshot crews are en route to the fire.

Upper Canyon and Brady Canyon residents and businesses are being placed on “ready” status.

Please stay out of the area. Do not call 911 for fire updates; please utilize non-emergency numbers.

Print this entry

Print this entry

Acres: .10

Start Date:  June 12, 2024

Location:  Capitan Mountains, East Mountain

Cause:  Lightning

Containment: 50%

Fuels: Single tree snag with brush understory

Personnel: 1 Type-3 engine

ALAMOGORDO, New Mexico, June 17, 2024 – The Mitt Fire, a lighting-strike fire on East Mountain (Capitan Mountains) on the Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest, continues to show little-to-no growth and remains in the original single-tree snag.  The wildfire was detected on June 12, 2024, and was caused by lightning.

The fire is exhibiting low-spread potential, and the probability of impacting values is low.

At this time, a confine/contain strategy of using natural barriers based on values at risk and potential spread is being implemented. Extreme steep terrain and rocky conditions make it unsafe to engage directly. Natural land features are also providing good barriers for the wildfire.

This area historically received multiple lightning strikes per year, and personnel will continue to conduct surveillance throughout the Forest to monitor for any potential lightning-caused wildfires in the area.  Throughout the weekend, several single-tree lightning-strike fires were reported and responded to by Lincoln National Forest crews.

Barring any extreme developments, this will be the final update on this incident.

Print this entry

For more information please click the link below:

SFMNP SENIORS | New Mexico WIC (nmwic.org)

Print this entry

Print this entry

Print this entry

Print this entry

Acres: .10

Start Date: June 12, 2024

Location: Capitan Mountains, East Mountain

Cause: Lightning

Containment: 0%

Fuels: Single tree snag with brush understory

Personnel: 1 Type-3 engine

ALAMOGORDO, New Mexico, June 13, 2024 – Crews remain on-scene at the Mitt Fire, a lighting-strike fire on East Mountain (Capitan Mountains) on the Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest. The wildfire was detected on June 12, 2024, and was caused by lightning. The location is 12 miles northeast of Capitan.

The wildfire remains at .10 acres. The fire is exhibiting low-spread potential, and the probability of impacting values is low.

Smoke may be visible from Capitan, Alto, and Ruidoso.

In fire-adapted ecosystems, all options are considered, and at this time, a confine/contain strategy of using natural barriers based on values at risk and potential spread is the preferred option. The steep terrain and surrounding rock scree (loose and broken rock on steep terrain) make it unsafe to engage in the current location. Natural land features are also providing good barriers for the wildfire.

This area historically received multiple lightning strikes per year, and personnel will continue to conduct surveillance throughout the Forest to monitor for any potential lightning-caused wildfires in the area.

The next update will be provided tomorrow.

Print this entry

Print this entry

Print this entry