Fire in San Mateo Mountains, not near Village
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The San Mateo Mountains, which are a vital part of the Cibola National Forest, caught on fire May 1. Fire suppression teams are working diligently to put the fire out and protect the forest. Courtesy Photo -
The San Mateo Mountains, which are a vital part of the Cibola National Forest, caught on fire May 1. Fire suppression teams are working diligently to put the fire out and protect the forest. Courtesy Photo
SOCORRO COUNTY, N.M. –
A massive fire has erupted in the Cibola National Forest. The Bear Trap Fire is in the San Mateo Mountains of Socorro County, and is not threatening the Village of San Mateo in Cibola County. The fire has caused roads and campgrounds to be shutdown.
The Bear Trap Fire is 1,209 Acres and is being attacked by at least 200 firefighting personnel. The Magdalena Ranger District is managing the fire, looking to put it out before it spreads too far. According to the Magdelena Ranger District, the fire started around 12 p.m. on May 1, the wildfire has so far burned 1,209 acres and as of press time is not threatening structures.
To protect civillians and firefighters alike, the the following National Forest Roads have been closed: NFR 549 located at the North and South Forest Boundaries; NFR 476 at Forest Boundary; NFR 330 at Forest Boundary; NFR 96 at Forest Road 478; NFR 220 entire road; NFR 138 entire road; NFR 52 at Forest Boundary
The following campgrounds have been closed: Hughes Mill Campground; Beartrap Campground
The following Nation Forest Trails have been closed: Trail 65; Trail 64; Trail 36; Trail 37; Trail 38; Trail 91
Violating the closure is a punishable offense and can be prosecuted as a Class B Misdemenaor, violators may pay $5,000 as an individual or $10,000 as an organization. Violators may be imprisoned for six months.
Cibola County Fire Marshal Dustin Middleton said that residents of Cibola County need to be prepared in the event that a fire may spark up in the Cibola National Forest closer to local villages or cities. Cibola County, along with much of New Mexico, is going through a severe drought where a spark from truck chains dragging on the highway can be enough to spark a fire.
Fire Marshal Middleton encourages Cibola residents to keep truck chains well above the ground, especially when hauling trailers, and to not leave vehicles running next to or near dried brush. Middleton said that the catalytic converter can reach temperatures of over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and that can start a fire due to how dry the area is.
Open burning and firework usage is illegal in Cibola County due to their risk of starting fires. Residents are encouraged to help assist the Cibola County Fire Command and throw away weeds and bushes which can be a fire hazard in their area.