Fire crews keep Quartz Hill Fire from spreading
ZUNI MOUNTAINS, N.M. – A fire in the Zuni Mountains started early Monday morning on Quartz Hill, the fire grew to eight acres in size. Fire crews battled the blaze all night long,
Cibola County Fire Command, Grants Fire and Rescue, Bureau of Land Management, and Cibola National Forest firefighters were all on the ground to combat the Quartz Hill Fire. Working together, they managed to contain the fire at eight acres. GFR and the Cibola fire suppression teams worked to put out the flames, by 8:15 p.m. the fire had been 75 percent contained. GFR and Cibola County Fire Command disengaged and allowed the Bureau of Land Management and Cibola National Forest firefighters to control the scene.
By Tuesday morning, the fire had been extinguished to the relief of locals. At no point were evacuations ordered for the people of Cibola County.
Quartz Hill is 11 miles southwest of the City of Grants, and is home to a famous biking trail. Smoke from the fire was barely visible from the Grants and Milan area.
Cibola County is currently undergoing severe drought. Currently, 2022 is the 32nd worst drought for Cibola County over the last 128 years. All of New Mexico is affected by severe drought, contributing to the rapid growth of wildfire throughout the state.
Being prepared for wildfire
The Quartz Hill Fire did not erupt into a major wildfire, but in the event that one occurs and cannot be stopped before it approaches communities and homes, the Cibola County Fire Command has established a system to be prepared: Ready. Set. Go!
Fire Marshal Dustin Middleton said that all of Cibola County, especially those who live in the forest, should always be in “Ready” mode. When in “Ready”, residents should make an evacuation plan. Prepare to start packing and locate all important paperwork, map out a route to take when evacuating, and be prepared to start loading items for evacuation.
When in “Set” mode, residents are encouraged to start loading up what they can take with them and evacuate if possible.
When “Go” occurs, residents must leave their homes. If the other two steps are followed accurately, there should be no delay as all important items were prepared to be packed, packed, and then evacuated from the danger area.
“Ready. Set. Go!” is a nationwide program that was designed to prepare people for an evacuation that can save their lives. When these instructions are not followed, and people stay behind, fire crews often have to divert a truck or two and some fire fighting personnel to rescue those who stay behind, putting further strain on fire crews.
Fire poses a serious danger to Cibola County. Being prepared will help fire crews to protect life, property, and the forest.