Middle Mesa Fire at 5,010 acres, 15 percent containment

The fire was reported Aug. 1 on the Jicarilla Ranger District of the Carson National Forest, approximately 5 miles west of Navajo Lake, 22 miles west of Dulce and 2 miles south of the New Mexico–Colorado border. It quickly grew to approximately 500 acres, then doubled in size Aug. 3, when command of the fire was transferred to the Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team.

Due to continued fire growth, Southwest Area Type Complex Incident Management Team 3 took command of the wildfire Aug. 5. 

"Heavy and live fuels remain atypically dry due to ongoing severe drought," according to Saturday's update. "Abundant cured grass fuels are present from last year's growing season. Decadent pinyon-juniper is the primary fuel type, with areas of ponderosa pine litter and mixed-conifer."

Crews conducted "strategic firing operations along control features to the south and west of private lands and Carracas Canyon" overnight Monday, according to the latest incident command update. "This action of reducing fuel in front of the fire's head can slow or stop its spread.

Visit airnow.gov to view current air quality conditions and an interactive smoke map.

The Middle Mesa Fire is one of several lightning-caused wildfire starts in North Central New Mexico since monsoon season began. With the notable exception of the Laguna Fire on the Santa Fe National Forest, the response to wildfire starts this fire season in North Central New Mexico has largely been "full suppression." After attempting to manage it as a controlled burn, the Laguna Fire was also eventually undertaken as a "full suppression" effort.

Shortly after it was reported around 10:30 Friday morning (Aug. 1), the Middle Mesa Fire grew to an estimated 500 acres and continued to spread at a rapid clip. As of Saturday 436 personnel were assigned to the wildfire.

Carson National Forest staff is coordinating with oil and gas companies to protect infrastructure in the area and in case the need arises to shut down pipelines, according to Zach Behrens, public affairs officer for the Carson.

Because the fire is close to Navajo Lake, an outdoor recreation hotspot, Behrens reminded the public to refrain from flying drones over the wildfire. 

"If drones are in the air, we can't fly," he said. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.