Mestenas Canyon Fire Update | Sit Rep 1

Photo Courtesy: Inciweb

The Mestenas Canyon Fire is burning two miles north of Hwy 64 and about 10 miles southwest of Dulce, New Mexico (USA) in the Jicarilla Ranger District on the Carson National Forest.

The lightning-caused wildfire was first reported at 1750 hours on July 11, 2024, which at that time was 145 acres but over time, challenges to responding and egressing resources were met with a difficult location with steep, rocky terrain and snags throughout the canyon bottom.

Additionally, the terrain makes escape routes very hard to get out of the canyon area safely, reported snags often falling, which we all know can seriously injure a ground resource, if not kill them.

This evening, the fire has burned about 477 acres and has a 15% containment status. Fire Officials predict this fire will be 100% contained on August 5, 2024, with more work to do.

Photo Credit | Carson National Forest

Fire behavior remains as moderate with backing, creeping, and smoldering, even much-needed rain fell over the fire line. Reported minimal fire activity has been achieved on the southern and western sides of the fire.

The IC has reported there are no current evacuation orders in place, but high-value assets, such as oil and gas infrastructure, archeological sites, dispersed camping areas, and inholdings may be threatened if the fire has any growth and spreads near these areas.

Fire fuels include timber, brush, and short grass.

There are about 77 total personnel assigned to this incident, under the management of IC Lorenzo Velasquez.

(c) 2024 NW Fire Blog | Posted 7/20/2024 2235 PT