Middle Mesa Fire grows to 1,115 acres in northern New Mexico

A wildfire burning east of Navajo Lake in the Jicarilla Ranger District of Carson National Forest grew to 1,115 acres on Sunday night as fire crews added air support to fight the blaze.

The Middle Mesa Fire ignited due to lightning strikes on Friday, according to a news release issued on Sunday by Zach Behrens, public affairs officer for the Carson. The fire was initially estimated at 500 acres but grew moderately due to strong winds from nearby thunderstorms on Friday, burning through the crowns of piñon, juniper, ponderosa and mixed conifer.

The fire was 0% contained as of Sunday night.

Increasing humidity levels and calmer weather over the weekend enabled fire ground crews, deployed on Friday, to expand their attack to include air support. A total of 124 personnel, six fire engines, three water tender, three hand crews, one helicopter, one air attack and tankers were engaged in fire suppression efforts on Sunday. More support was expected to arrive throughout the day.

“Ground crews patrolled and monitored the fire’s edge, especially along Forest Service roads 218 and 218B, extinguishing spots and slopovers,” reads Sunday’s news release. “By air, very large air tankers from the Durango Air Tanker Base (dropped retardant) on the fire’s northern and southern flanks.”

On Sunday night, crews are planning to “conduct a strategic firing operation in front of the fire’s head, where retardant drops are planned for Sunday.”

A flight restriction remains in effect for the area. The release noted that “two small aircraft incursions” into the firefighting airspace on Sunday caused the temporary suspension of air support for the fire. Pilots are asked to check Notice to Air Missions before and during flights to remain aware of flight restrictions.

For updates on the fire, visit the Carson’s Current Wildfire Activity webpage. More information can also be found on nmfireinfo.com and InciWeb.