The Middle Mesa Fire is a lightning-caused wildfire on the Jicarilla Ranger District of the Carson National Forest, estimated on Tuesday at about 2,500 acres and burning in piñon-juniper, ponderosa pine, and mixed conifer forest. Crews are working to prevent the fire from spreading into southern Archuleta County.
Smoke has been visible to nearby areas, including Navajo Lake and Arboles, Colorado. The public should expect to see a continued uptick in smoke production as relative humidity levels reach single digits during daylight hours.
Crews have been attacking that fire from the air and the ground. Fire and smoke is visible across parts of New Mexico and Colorado.
“Fire managers Monday utilized a combination of rotor and fixed wing air support to moderate fire behavior and prevent it from spreading to the north and east after significant growth overnight, when it became established in Devils Canyon,” a Monday evening update stated.
On Tuesday, crews were planning to take advantage of moderated nighttime fire behavior to conduct strategic firing operations along control features to the south and west of private lands and Carracas Canyon. This action of reducing fuel in front of the fire’s head can slow or stop its spread.
Command of the fire was transferred Tuesday evening to the Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 3.
Size: 2,500 Acres
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 145
Equipment: 6 engines, 3 water tenders, 3 handcrews, 2 helicopters, 1 ambulance, 1 air attack, tankers
Location: Jicarilla Ranger District (Google Map link
Start Date: 08-01-25
Fuels: Piñon-Juniper, Ponderosa, Mixed Conifer
Cause: Lightning
Ground and air resources are working to suppress the fire, which is burning in a remote area where natural gas infrastructure, such as wells and pipelines, is located.
Fire managers request that the public avoid the northern reaches of the ranger district for safety of themselves and fire crews.
The Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office has placed a “Set” evacuation status on private inholdings and adjacent properties within the county that are the path of the fire.
No Drones: If you fly, we can’t! Keep drones grounded for the safety of firefigthing aircraft personnel.
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