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