ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Firefighters are actively responding to several small wildfires ignited by lightning strikes following thunderstorms that moved across portions of the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands on Tuesday.
The fires are located within the Mountainair, Magdalena, and Sandia Ranger Districts, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Mountainair Ranger District Fires
Crews responded to the Thunderbird Fire in the southeast Manzano Mountains after it was reported Tuesday night. The fire is estimated at approximately one-tenth of an acre, and officials say forward progress has been stopped.
Also in the Manzano Mountains, firefighters responded to the Kayser Mill Fire, another lightning-caused fire estimated at about one-tenth of an acre. Forest officials report that firefighters have halted the fire’s spread.
The Capilla Powerline Fire, located near Capilla Peak, was reported Tuesday afternoon. The fire burned approximately one-quarter acre and is now 100% contained.
Residents in the Mountainair, Manzano, Punta de Agua, Torreon, and Estancia Valley areas may continue to see residual smoke from the fires.
Magdalena Ranger District
The Monica Canyon Fire was reported Wednesday morning in the northeast San Mateo Mountains on the Magdalena Ranger District.
The fire is estimated at one-tenth of an acre and was also caused by lightning. Smoke may be visible south of NM 60, west of NM 107, and southwest of Magdalena.
Sandia Ranger District
Firefighters are also responding to the Otero Canyon Fire, reported Wednesday morning south of Tijeras near NM 337.
The lightning-caused fire is estimated at one-tenth of an acre. Officials say firefighters have stopped forward progress and continue suppression efforts.
Fire Restrictions Remain in Effect
The Forest Service says Stage I fire restrictions remain in place for portions of the Cibola National Forest, including the Mountainair and Sandia ranger districts.
Officials also reminded the public to avoid fire areas and not fly drones near active wildfires, noting that unauthorized drone activity can interfere with firefighting aircraft operations.
At this time, no evacuations have been reported and all fires remain relatively small.
