EMNRD-FORESTRY DIVISION for the
U.S. Forest Service
Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands
Magdalena Ranger District
Magdalena, New Mexico
Red Canyon Fire Grows to 17, 349 Acres
Magdalena, NM; July 4, 2015 - The Red Canyon fire on the Magdalena Ranger District grew in size to 17,349 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.
Yesterday afternoon the Red Canyon Fire received light precipitation over the entire fire perimeter.
Fire crews during the morning continued to clean up pockets of unburned material in the northern portion of Hudson Canyon (FR138 and FR96 intersection) and continue felling snags north along FR138. Also, firefighters began removing hazard trees along FR330 eastward from Grassy Lookout.
Fire crews were pulled off the fire line in the afternoon due to thunderstorms that passed over the fire.
The fire continues to burn in ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer fuels. The Red Canyon fire is enhancing wildlife habitat, while protecting cultural resources, reducing hazardous fuels and returning fire to the ecosystem. There are 66 fire personnel assigned to the fire, one Hot Shot crew, one Wildland Fire Module, one helicopter, and support personnel.
A monsoonal flow is forecast to produce wetting precipitation through the weekend.
Smoke from the Red Canyon is minimal from US Hwy 60 west of Magdalena, NM, Datil, NM and Pie Town, NM and along I-25 south of Socorro, New Mexico due to the precipitation received on the fire line. When driving on forest roads during approaching storms, please drive carefully, reduce your speed and drive with your lights on. Also, when hiking trails stay away from ridge tops and seek lower elevations until thunderstorms pass.
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.