Fire ravages over 2,000 acres in Middle Mesa, close to Colorado border, as forecasters predict extremely dry and hot conditions ahead.
Wildfires Ravage New Mexico: Middle Mesa Fire Grows Unchecked Near Colorado Border
Wildfires in New Mexico have scorched over 180,000 acres across 725 incidents so far in 2025, with naturally caused fires, including lightning, accounting for more than 150,000 acres of the total[1]. One such fire, the Middle Mesa Fire, ignited by lightning on August 1 in the Carson National Forest, is currently burning approximately a mile from the Colorado border.
The Middle Mesa Fire has grown significantly since its ignition, expanding to over 2,115 acres as of August 5[1]. The fire is currently 0% contained due to challenging conditions such as extremely low fuel moisture and low humidity[1]. Over 140 personnel are working tirelessly to combat the fire, utilizing both airplanes and ground crews[1].
The fire is burning in a remote area, near numerous oil and gas wells. Some areas under "set" evacuation status have been placed for safety reasons, including private inholdings and properties in the fire's path[1]. The Rio Arriba County Sheriff's Office has issued these evacuation orders.
Forecasters predict hot, very dry, and unstable conditions for firefighters this week, complicating efforts to contain the blaze[1]. The Middle Mesa Fire is not the only wildfire causing concern in New Mexico. The Albuquerque Journal Daily News Headlines report numerous other wildfires throughout the state.
It's important to note that natural gas wells and pipelines are located near the fire, according to the Forest Service. The public is asked to avoid the northern reaches of the Jicarilla ranger district for safety reasons.
If you'd like to stay updated on the latest wildfire news, an email has been sent to confirm list signup for a free news email newsletter. For more information, please visit the Forest Service's website or follow local news outlets for updates.
[1] Data sourced from the provided bullet points.
science news reported that the Middle Mesa Fire, an environmental-science concern caused by lightning, expanded significantly in the Carson National Forest, near the Colorado border. The weather forecast for this week predicts hot, very dry, and unstable conditions, complicating efforts to contain the blaze, which is not the only wildfire causing concern in New Mexico as stated in the Albuquerque Journal Daily News Headlines.
