News Release

Firefighters on the Encerrita Fire aided by wet weather

Date: June 23, 2024
Contact: El Malpais Visitor Center, 505-876-2783

Grants, NM —The 2,496 acres, 0% contained Encerrita Fire has received a notable amount of precipitation over the past several days, with more precipitation in the forecast over the coming week. The previously issued “Ready” evacuation notice for residents north of the fire was rescinded on Saturday, June 22.  
 
The welcomed precipitation has significantly decreased fire activity and has allowed firefighters to make good progress toward securing line and keeping the fire from crossing Highway 53. 
 
On Saturday the fire was minimally active as it received more precipitation. Firefighters continued securing line where it was most advantageous and will work toward tying in existing line with natural features as weather permits.  
 
Closures remain in effect in the monument. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) and Zuni-Acoma Trail are closed in El Malpais National Monument from Porter Ranch Rd off Hwy 53 to Hwy 117; a CDT bypass is in place between CDT miles 502.5 to 512.5; more information is available on the CDT website. Both the western Zuni-Acoma Trail parking lot and the eastern Acoma-Zuni Trail parking lot are included in the closure. Closures have been posted and the public is asked to avoid closed roads, trails, and parking lots. The El Calderon Trail remains open. 
 
Additional updates on the Encerrita fire will be available on Facebook (@ElMalpaisNPS) and on Inciweb. Please contact the El Malpais Visitor Center at [phone] or visit www.nps.gov/elma for additional information on closures in the monument. 
 www.nps.gov 

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