New Mexico
Update: Buck Fire southeast of Aragon, NM
Reported date: June 11, 2025
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Size: 33,737
Personnel: ~200
Fuels: Grass, timber
Strategy: Full Suppression
Fire behavior: Running, smoldering, creeping
Operations: Yesterday, ground crews and aviation resources worked diligently to contain the fire within the smallest possible footprint while prioritizing the safety of both the public and firefighting personnel. Due to the fire’s remote and inaccessible terrain, crews were not deployed into the northern portion of the incident; however, aerial resources successfully applied retardant along the north and northeast flanks to slow fire progression. The fire has not crossed Forest Road 163 and remains west of the southern end of Shaw Canyon access road, where successful firing operations were conducted. The southeastern heel of the fire remains secure, with firefighters continuing mop-up and patrol activities to extinguish any remaining heat.
Today, aerial operations continue to be utilized in inaccessible areas to limit further spread, while ground crews are actively scouting potential control lines in preparation for future firing operations aimed at limiting fire movement north of the Wilderness Study Area. Night operations began last night, ensuring continuous monitoring and rapid response capabilities through the nighttime hours.
A message from the Albuquerque Zone Incident Commander, Lino Baca: “Safety remains our highest priority, and every effort is being made to implement fireline tactics that minimize risk as much as possible, particularly in these remote and challenging areas. We extend our sincere appreciation to all local cooperators, stakeholders, permittees, and members of the community for their continued support and collaboration.”
The Albuquerque Zone Incident Management Team is open to scheduling a cooperators meeting if the need arises and encourages any interested stakeholders to contact the incident team to express their interest.
Weather: Hot and dry conditions will persist for the next several days with poor humidity recoveries. Gusty and erratic outflow winds, in addition to any lightning, will be a concern.
Location: South of Pelona Mountain, Southwest of Magdalena and Datil and Southeast of Aragon. 33°35’44.0″N 108°12’39.0″W
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the top priority. Members of the public should avoid the Buck Fire. Unmanned aircraft such as 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!”.
Closures: Public are discouraged to drive the 163 road within the fire area and the Continental Divide Trail has issued a soft closure to discourage any CDT hikers from hiking through the fire.
Smoke: May be visible from Highway 12 southeast of the community of Aragon, NM and southwest of Highway 60. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website nmtracking.org
New Mexico
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Seniors at Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center say broken air conditioning has left the gym above 80 degrees during peak summer heat.
Angi Gonzales Carver said she goes to the center almost every day and now worries the heat could cancel classes for seniors, adults and kids.
The city said three HVAC roof units at the center need replacement. The city said those units are 20 years old and crews have put in one portable cooler and two fans for now.
“I have a temperature measure, and it was 88 and that was without people,” said Angi Gonzales Carver.
Carver says the center recently posted a warning sign saying staff will cancel classes and activities if the gym gets hotter than 78 degrees.
“A lot of them have to sit down and they’re they’re fanning themselves,” said Carver.
The city considers all multigenerational centers cooling centers, including Manzano Mesa. The city says it plans to add two more portable units next week while it works to restore the air conditioning.
“I mean, we, as seniors, we deserve better,” said Carver.
The City’s statement
A city spokesperson gave the following statement regarding the HVAC situation:
“The City is carrying out a planned replacement of the three HVAC roof units at Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center, which are 20 years old. Portable cooling units support the gym and two additional portable units will be installed next week. All other areas of the facility remain fully air-conditioned and operational.”
Acres: 7,769 acres
Start Date: June 9, 2026
Location: 18 miles southeast of Quemado, NM
Personnel: 169
Containment: 100%
Cause: Lightning
Summary: Containment lines are holding, and much of the repair work is completed on the Bear Fire. The Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team will transfer command of the fire back to the Gila National Forest and a Type 4 Incident Commander on Wednesday morning. Firefighters will continue to patrol and secure the perimeter while repair is completed.
Remarking on the success of firefighters on the Bear Fire, Incident Commander Marcus Cornwell said, “The support from the State of New Mexico Forestry Division, local landowners, and the Village of Quemado were instrumental in helping suppress the fire. Providing firefighters access to private land and use of Quemado High School proved pivotal.”
This will be the last daily update provided by the Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team. Any future updates for the Bear Fire will come from the Gila National Forest.
Weather: Today’s high temperature will be in the mid 80s. Moisture moving in from the south will improve relative humidity and drop temperatures slightly. The forecast shows daily chances of thunderstorms through Friday.
Safety: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place through this evening. If you fly, we can’t! The Gila National Forest enacted an Area Closure Order for the Bear Fire.
Evacuations: Catron County Emergency Management lifted SET status for residences within zones 2, 3 and 4 on Thursday, June 18th. For more information about the change in evacuation status, visit Catron County Emergency Management.
Smoke: Smoke may be visible in and around surrounding communities. Air quality will vary based on fire activity, weather, and wind patterns. Residents should reduce prolonged outdoor activity when smoke is present and check the Air Quality Index before recreating or working outdoors. Sensitive groups should take extra precautions to limit smoke exposure. For real-time smoke conditions, visit https://fire.airnow.gov.
Fire Restrictions: The Gila National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions due to long term severe drought in the Gila region, increased tree mortality across the forest, and forecasted hotter, drier weather conditions. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions limit campfires on forest land to designated recreation sites and campgrounds with constructed metal fire rings. Open burning is also prohibited in the unincorporated area of Catron County and in Catron County Fire District 30.
Public Information: 2026.bear@firenet.gov
Incident Information:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GilaNForest
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/nmgnf-bear-fire
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