Mestenas Canyon Fire (NMCAF)
837 acre wildfire (100% contained)
Dulce, New Mexico, United States
Mestenas Canyon Fire
6,500 acre wildfire (60% contained)
Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, United States
Tanques Wildfire
11,500 acre wildfire (90% contained)
Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, United States
Indios Wildfire
Wildfire Status:
The Mestenas Canyon Fire, which ignited on July 11, 2024, due to lightning, is currently active about 10 miles southwest of Dulce, New Mexico. The fire has expanded to cover 837 acres, but fire crews have successfully contained 100% of its perimeter. Despite this control, the terrain remains challenging due to rocky, steep conditions, which necessitate the use of suppression action points. Firefighters are employing methods such as cutting fire lines and igniting backfires along existing roads to manage the spread of the flames effectively.
Currently, there are 15 personnel assigned to the incident, with Incident Commander Lorenzo Velasquez overseeing the operations. Although observed fire behavior is minimal, consisting mainly of flanking, backing, and creeping, there may be limited visibility on Highway 64 due to smoke, which poses a concern for local traffic. The estimated date for complete containment is set for August 5, 2024.
Weather conditions are a critical factor in ongoing fire management efforts. The area is experiencing increasing temperatures and low relative humidity, which can elevate fire risks. However, forecasts indicate a slight chance of precipitation in the late afternoon, with no expected increase in fire perimeter over the next 72 hours, despite a rise in temperatures. Fire agencies remain vigilant, monitoring for any changes in weather that could affect the situation.
Visit Inciweb Incident Page for more information. Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only.
Containment History:
| Date | Percent Contained |
|---|---|
| 2024-07-16 | 0% contained |
| 2024-07-19 | 0% contained |
| 2024-07-22 | 15% contained |
| 2024-07-23 | 30% contained |
| 2024-07-24 | 40% contained |
| 2024-07-27 | 65% contained |
| 2024-07-28 | 67% contained |
| 2024-07-29 | 75% contained |
| 2024-07-31 | 90% contained |
| 2024-09-11 | 100% contained |
Fire Growth History:
| Date | Fire Size (Acres) | Fire Size (Square Miles) | Fire Size (Square Kilometers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-07-16 | 145 acres | 0.2 sq mi | 0.6 sq km |
| 2024-07-17 | 271 acres | 0.4 sq mi | 1.1 sq km |
| 2024-07-19 | 350 acres | 0.5 sq mi | 1.4 sq km |
| 2024-07-20 | 407 acres | 0.6 sq mi | 1.6 sq km |
| 2024-07-21 | 477 acres | 0.7 sq mi | 1.9 sq km |
| 2024-07-22 | 572 acres | 0.9 sq mi | 2.3 sq km |
| 2024-07-23 | 628 acres | 1.0 sq mi | 2.5 sq km |
| 2024-07-24 | 716 acres | 1.1 sq mi | 2.9 sq km |
| 2024-09-11 | 837 acres | 1.3 sq mi | 3.3 sq km |