EMNRD-FORESTRY DIVISION FOR THE

U.S. Forest Service
Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands
Magdalena Ranger District
Magdalena, New Mexico

Red Canyon Fire at 16,723 Acres

Magdalena, NM; July 2, 2015 - AM -- For Immediate Release. The Red Canyon fire on the Magdalena Ranger District grew in size to 16,723 acres. The lightning-caused fire is located in the San Mateo Mountains, 2 miles southeast of Grassy Lookout and 27 miles southwest of Magdalena, NM.

Firing operations continued on both side of Hudson canyon yesterday. Firefighters are introducing backing fire into Hudson canyon to mitigate high severity effect but still allow for the creation of canopy openings in order to promote aspen regeneration. FR138 is being cleared in preparation for burn out/holding operations along the fire perimeter.

The fire is burning in ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer fuels. The Red Canyon fire is providing good wildlife habitat, while protecting cultural resources, reducing hazardous fuels and returning the fire to the ecosystem. As the Red Canyon fire continues to burn, fire behavior and effects are continuously being assessed to ensure incident objectives are being met.

There are 66 fire personnel assigned to the fire, one Hot Shot crew, one Wildland Fire Module, one helicopter, and support personnel.

The weather forecast calls for chances of thunderstorms through Sunday.

The Red Canyon fire is visible from US Hwy 60 west of Magdalena, NM, Datil, NM and Pie Town, NM and along I-25 south of Socorro, New Mexico. Drifting smoke from the Red Canyon fire is moving in a north/northwesterly direction west of Magdalena, NM. The New Mexico Department of Health provides a visibility test to determine smoke impacts in your area on their website at: https://nmtracking.org/en/environ_exposure/fire-and-smoke/#xEPHT__fivemile__1329.

The following Forest Roads (FR) are closed until further notice: FR 96; FR 138; FR 478A; FR 478B; FR 330; FR 331; FR 378, and FR 478. The following trails are closed: Trails 28, 31, 43, and 63. All the listed Forest Roads and trails are within the working boundaries of the Red Canyon fire perimeter.