Fisher Fire July 8 UPDATE – Magdalena Ranger District – San Mateo Mountains

ABQ Zone Incident Management Team – Media & Public Contact:
2024.fisher@firenet.gov (575) 323 – 8053

July 8, 2024 Fisher Fire Update

Reported date / time: July 1, 2024 / 1825
Cause: Lightning Strike
Size: 7,211 acres.
Fuels: Oak and ponderosa pine litter.
Strategy: Confine and contain
Containment: 0%
Fire Behavior: Low to moderate
Resources: 107 Personnel, 11 Other Resources

UPDATE: The Fisher fire is currently 7,211 acres. Yesterday we conducted ground and aerial firing around the planned perimeter and today we will continue firing towards the interior. Yesterday aerial observations were limited by smoke, however, the afternoon allowed for increased visibility and updated acreage report. Today’s operational goal is to continue work around the fire perimeter as weather permits.

The intended outcome of the Fisher Fire includes encouraging the growth of native plants, increasing species diversity in the understory, and the restoration of wildlife habitat.

Location: Remote mountainous terrain of northwest San Mateo Mts. on the Magdalena Ranger District – New Mexico on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands. The planning area of 8,400 acres is surrounded by previous treatment areas: Durfee Bolander RX units 6(2024), 7(2023), and 8(2023) to the north, the North fire (2016) to the east, the Bear Trap fire (2022) to the south, and by Baney RX units 6(2020) and 7(2021), Ranch Supply RX (2005/2006), and Sargeant RX (2002/2012) to the west. 

Values at risk: The Fisher Fire is not a threat to any communities, and there are no evacuations in effect. While there are no values within in the fire perimeter, there are some cultural and other values in the surrounding areas.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the top priority. Members of the public should avoid the Fisher Fire area on the Magdalena Ranger District. 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!”

Smoke may be visible from the towns of Magdalena, Datil, Dusty, Socorro, San Antonio, and the Alamo Navajo Reservation. 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