Albuquerque, NM – May 24, 2025: Yesterday evening, multiple resources responded to a fire start on private lands south of NM I-40, West of Grants, NM since named the Merrill Fire. The origin of the fire was on private lands crossing into adjacent Forest Service lands of the Mt Taylor Ranger District on the Cibola National Forest. Yesterday's fire spread was due to winds in excess of 25 mph, dry fuels and high temperatures. Cloud cover and a slight increase in relative humidity assisted suppression efforts overnight and into this morning. Multiple firefighting agencies are on scene and additional resources have been ordered.

Merrill Fire Location: Currently West of Grants, NM in Zuni Mts. & Southeast of Ft. Wingate: Smoke may be visible south from NM I-40, Ramah, Gallup, Thoreau, Bluewater, Grants and Milan. 

Reported start date / time: May 23, 2025, 4:30 pm       Cause: Under Investigation 

Size: Approximately 40 acres 

Resources responding and on scene: Multiple resources responded from US Forest Service (USFS), New Mexico Forestry Division (NMFD), McKinley County and aerial support.

Evacuations: No Evacuations are currently in effect.

Values at risk: Ranch structures and log decks are in threat of fire progression.

Containment: 0%

Fuels: Grass, brush and logging slash.

Fire behavior: Low to moderate.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should avoid the Merrill 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!"

Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Zuni Mountains. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions. 

Weather: The forecast for Grants, NM today is mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight. https://www.weather.gov/