Vereda Blanca Fire Operations: Yesterday's weather brought light precipitation to the fire's northeast and southwest boundary areas. There was minimal fire growth from yesterday's acres. Hot dry conditions continue today while ground crews face multiple challenges in the difficult terrain. Aerial resources will continue to assist operations.

Vereda Blanca Fire Reported start date / time: August 8, 2025 / 0731

Cause: Lightning.

Location: Northeast Mt Taylor Ranger District near Black Mesa and northeast of Grants, NM. See attached map.

Size: 1,017 acres.              Strategy: Full suppression.    Containment: 0%                 

Fire Behavior: Moderate.            Fuels: Pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine.

Resources: Firefighters from the USFS, BLM and contractors are on scene with aerial resources.

Values at risk: The Vereda Blanca Fire is not a threat to any communities, and there are no evacuations in effect. 

Cultural sites may be at risk.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible west of the surrounding areas of the Grants, Milan, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Cuba and Jemez. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov allows you to zoom into areas to see the latest smoke conditions.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should avoid the Vereda Blanca Fire area.

Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease.

The public is reminded that "If you fly, we can't!" 

Weather forecast for Grants, NM: Today (8/11/25): This Afternoon Sunny, with a high near 92. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 53. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Tuesday (8/12/25) A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Light south wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning. https://www.weather.gov/