Lightning Sparks Two New Fires in Zuni Mountains

Crews report no new growth as firefighters reinforce containment lines

  • Smoke rises from the five-acre Notches Fire in the south-central Zuni Mountains on July 30. The lightning-caused fire was burning west of NM 612 and north of NM 53, where crews reported no new growth and continued reinforcing containment lines and extinguishing interior hot spots. Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service.
    Smoke rises from the five-acre Notches Fire in the south-central Zuni Mountains on July 30. The lightning-caused fire was burning west of NM 612 and north of NM 53, where crews reported no new growth and continued reinforcing containment lines and extinguishing interior hot spots. Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service.

    CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – Firefighters are working to contain two lightning-caused wildfires in the Zuni Mountains after monsoon thunderstorms moved across the Mount Taylor Ranger District this week.

    The Rock Springs Fire and Notches Fire had burned a combined 11 acres as of Friday, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Officials reported no new growth on either fire following Thursday’s response, with crews reinforcing containment lines and extinguishing remaining hot spots.

    The Rock Springs Fire was reported at 10:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, near Little Water Canyon in the central Zuni Mountains. The fire is located west of NM 612 and north of NM 53.

    It had burned approximately six acres in oak and pine litter. Forest Service engines, including resources from the Cibola National Forest and Alabama, were assigned to the fire along with aviation resources.

    The Notches Fire was reported at 3:42 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, in the south-central Zuni Mountains, also west of NM 612 and north of NM 53.

    That fire had burned approximately five acres in mixed conifer and grass. The New Mexico Forestry Division’s Oso Fire Module, Cochiti Fire Module and aviation resources were assigned to the incident.

    Firefighters are using direct suppression tactics on both fires. The Forest Service described the potential for spread as moderate.

    USFS reports smoke from the fires may be visible west of Ramah and El Morro.

    The new starts come after repeated monsoon storms brought substantial moisture to western New Mexico and allowed the Forest Service to lift fire restrictions on the Mount Taylor Ranger District earlier this week. The fires demonstrate that lightning remains capable of starting new wildfires even as rainfall reduces the broader risk of rapid fire growth.

    Members of the public should avoid the fire areas. Drones are prohibited around wildfire operations because their presence can force firefighting aircraft to leave the area.

    Hot and mostly sunny conditions were forecast Friday, with a high near 97 degrees in Grants. A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms remained in the forecast Friday night and again Saturday afternoon.

    Additional updates are expected as firefighting operations continue.

    A light column of smoke marks the six-acre Rock Springs Fire in the central Zuni Mountains near Little Water Canyon on July 30. The lightning-caused fire was burning west of NM 612 and north of NM 53, with firefighters using direct suppression tactics and reporting no new growth. Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service.