The Vics Peak Fire burning in the San Mateo Mountains in Socorro County has grown to more than 13,000 acres with containment at 50%, the U.S. Forest Service says.
The lightning-cause fire, which has been burning on the Magdalena Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest since June 15, is measured at 13,477 acres.
The Forest Service said “moderate fire behavior” continued Thursday.
“The fire continues to move between Milo Canyon and Smith Canyon,” the agency said in its Friday update. “The fire is backing and creeping north from West Blue and Teepee Peak Mountains.
“Today, fire operations will continue to secure the fire edge in Milo Canyon and continue to hold and secure along Forest Roads and trails to protect range infrastructures, cultural sites, private lands, and critical habitat within the fire perimeter. Crews will continue to evaluate the need for aerial firing operations to eliminate fire intensity.”
Fire managers aren’t expecting any help from the weather in dealing with the blaze.
“High pressure will continue to strengthen over the state, with record breaking heat that will occur each day through early next week. Some mid-level moisture moving into the Gila region may generate a few dry thunderstorms on Friday, but otherwise, dry unstable conditions are expected to continue through the next several days,” the Forest Service said.
