NMFD News:
The Nogal Canyon fire is burning 8 miles east of Capitan in Lincoln County. Multiple structures are threatened and evacuations are underway for residents in Nogal Canyon to N.M. 37. An evacuation center is set up at Carrizozo School, 800 D Ave in Carrizozo. Livestock can be taken to the Capitan Fairgrounds in Capitan.
The fire was initially reported at 1:20 p.m. after the wind reportedly blew a power line down near the top of Nogal Canyon. It is burning on private and USFS land in mixed conifer fuels.
The fire is estimated at 100 acres and 0 percent contained. Multiple resources are working to gain control of the fire, which is spotting and burning on both sides of N.M. 37. Wind gusts are reported coming from the southwest at up to 40 miles per hour with 18 percent relative humidity.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
New Mexico Forestry Division update on Nogal Canyon Fire as of Tuesday, April 12:
Incident Name: Nogal Canyon Fire
Start Time & Date: 1:20 p.m., April 12, 2022
Start Location: Pennsylvania Canyon, East of the Crest Trailhead
Latitude: -33.5115
Longitude: -104.2735
Cause of Fire: Power lines
Area Vegetation: Grass, Pinon Juniper, and Ponderosa Pine
Estimated Acres Burned: 100
Ownership(s): Private and USFS
Structures Threatened: Yes
Structures Burned: Yes, multiple
Evacuations: Yes, all of Nogal Canyon is under an immediate evacuation notice.
Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at
