Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands

Reported date / time: July 1, 2024 / 1825 Cause: Lightning Strike Size: 2,500 acres.

Fuels: Oak and ponderosa pine litter. Strategy: Confine and contain Containment: 0%

Fire Behavior: Low to moderate

UPDATE: The Fisher fire is currently 2,500 acres. Yesterday's favorable weather conditions allowed for optimal ground and aerial firing. The confine and contain strategy aims to establish a fire perimeter by a combination of direct and indirect actions and use of natural topographic features, fuel, and weather factors. The Albuquerque Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Lino Baca, assumed command of the fire this morning. The intended outcome of the Fisher Fire includes encouraging the growth of native plants, increasing species diversity in the understory, and the restoration of wildlife habitat.

Operations for the day will consist of additional ground and aerial firing and line construction, as well as dozer work surrounding the desired perimeter.

Location: Remote mountainous terrain of northwest San Mateo Mts. on the Magdalena Ranger District – New Mexico on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands. The planning area of 8,400 acres is surrounded by previous treatment areas: Durfee Bolander RX units 6(2024), 7(2023), and 8(2023) to the north, the North fire (2016) to the east, the Bear Trap fire (2022) to the south, and by Baney RX units 6(2020) and 7(2021), Ranch Supply RX (2005/2006), and Sargeant RX (2002/2012) to the west.

Values at risk: The Fisher Fire is not a threat to any communities, and there are no evacuations in effect.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should avoid the Fisher Fire area on the Magdalena Ranger District. Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that "If you fly, we can't!"

Smoke may be visible from Hwy 60 southwest of Magdalena, Datil, Dusty, Socorro, San Antonio, and Alamo.

Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website nmtracking.org