Location: Quemado Ranger District on the Gila National Forest

6 miles northeast of Quemado Lake Catron County, New Mexico

Start Date: May 12, 2017 Size: 300 acres Cause: Lightning

Vegetation: Ponderosa Pine, Grass

Smoke: Smoke may be visible within the surrounding area of Quemado, Pie Town, Horse Springs, and Datil, NM

Resources: 2 engines, 2 Type 2 crews, 1 Wildland Fire Module

Incident Commander: Pete Valenzuela, IC3

Summary: The Baca Fire is burning on National Forest lands in rugged terrain. There are no values at risk in the immediate area. Values surrounding the fire include private property, Quemado Lake Recreation Area, Continental Divide Trail which is located east of the fire, range improvement infrastructure and mixed conifer vegetation. Fire personnel continue scouting the fire perimeter to identify control features to contain the fire with limited exposure to fire personnel and the public. The current fire behavior is helping with restoring healthy forests and watershed restoration.

CDT hikers are discouraged from using the trail due to heavy fire activity and smoke through Macho Canyon area. Forest visitors are discouraged from using FSRD 13D (Baca Pit RD) due to fire activity and fire vehicle traffic. Check in with the Quemado Ranger District office at 575.773.4678 for alternate routes in order to avoid potential fire activity in the area. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health website at https://nmtracking.org/fire .

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila