Encerrita Fire (NMEMP)

Wildfire Status:

The Encerrita Fire, a wildfire in El Malpais National Monument lands, was discovered on June 15 and is located approximately 15 miles south-southwest of Grants, NM. The fire has consumed 2,499 acres and is currently 91% contained, with minimal fire behavior reported. The total personnel involved in the response effort is 4, and the fire is burning in a Ponderosa pine forest with grass and timber litter understory, as well as some medium logging slash from pre-WWII operations.

The current response strategy includes monitoring the contained line to prevent further spread onto private property or across Highway 53. Firefighters are engaging the fire using direct and indirect tactics to ensure success while minimizing risks. The weather concerns for the fire area include a drying trend with storms occurring nearby but not directly over the fire. If conditions continue to dry out, there may be a slight increase in fire activity leading to more smoke from smoldering stump holes and root systems. For further updates on the Encerrita Fire, individuals can visit the El Malpais Facebook page, website, or contact the El Malpais Visitor Center.

Visit Inciweb Incident Page for more information. Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only.

Containment History:

Fire Growth History: