Small wildfire reported in southeast Mount Taylor Mountains was held to less than one acre
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – A small wildfire reported Wednesday evening in the southeast Mount Taylor Mountains was put out the same day after firefighters quickly stopped its forward progress.
The Seco Fire was reported at 4:59 p.m. on May 27 on the Mt. Taylor Ranger District. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire burned approximately 0.75 acres in timber, piñon-juniper and grass fuels.
Firefighters used a direct extinguishment strategy, building handlines around the fire and stopping the flames from spreading. Crews also worked to secure the perimeter and mop up interior hot spots.
The fire was 50 percent contained in the Forest Service’s May 28 update, but officials said forward progress had already been stopped the previous evening. The agency said no additional updates are expected unless conditions change.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Residual smoke may be visible from San Fidel, Cubero, Acoma Pueblo and Laguna Pueblo. Smoke-sensitive individuals, including people with respiratory problems or heart disease, are encouraged to take precautions and monitor smoke conditions.
The Seco Fire was small and quickly controlled, but it comes as the Mt. Taylor Ranger District remains under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Those restrictions are in place because dry fuels, warm temperatures and spring winds can allow even small fires to spread quickly if they are not caught early.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to check current fire restrictions before camping, burning, or using fire outdoors. Smoke conditions can be monitored at fire.airnow.gov.