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: 11,139 acres Cause: Lightning

Vegetation: Ponderosa Pine, grass, and mixed conifer

Smoke: Smoke is visible within the surrounding area of Mangas Valley.

Resources: Local District Resources Incident Commander Type 4: Tony Medran

Summary: The Baca Fire continues to burn on National Forest lands. The fire is being managed to protect values while balancing exposure to fire personnel and the public, utilizing a confine and contain strategy and tactics for the highest probability for success. There are no immediate values at risk in the fire area.

Fire activity is minimal. The fire is active north of FSR93 in the Dead Horse Canyon Area. There are a couple of unburned islands the fire is slowly backing through. These islands are surrounded by burned fuels. The Mangas Lookout and local engine will monitor this area over the weekend.

The closure on the Baca Fire will remain in effect over the weekend. The District will re-assess the road and Continental Divide Trail (CDT) closure next week. This decision is based on fire activity near the CDT in the Dead Horse Canyon Area and hazards associated with fire weakened trees, and smoldering stump holes and logs within the fire area.

CLOSURES REMAIN IN EFFECT: FR13 from El Caso Campground to FR93 on Slaughter Mesa and east on FR93 to county road A095 are closed due to concerns for public and fire personnel safety.

A segment of the CDT – from Dead Horse Canyon north to Hwy 60 is closed due to increased fire activity. Please check with Quemado RD 575-773-4678 for maps of closure and suggested alterative reroute.

Fire information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or nmfireinfo.com

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