Midnight Fire burns 4,000 acres as it rages out of control in New Mexico
Fire Weather Warnings remain in effect across the Southwest through Tuesday
Thick smoke billows above New Mexico as Midnight Fire continues to spread
Thick smoke plumes billowed into the sky above northern New Mexico as the Midnight Fire continued to grow, officials said on Saturday, June 11. This footage was captured by Mary Ellen Leonard, who said she filmed it near her home in El Rito on Friday afternoon.
EL RITO, N.M. – A large wildfire that broke out in New Mexico last week continues to grow and has now scorched nearly 4,000 acres in the Land of Enchantment.
At least 225 firefighters are currently working to contain and extinguish the Midnight Fire, which is burning in the northern part of the state.
HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER ON TV
(FOX Weather)
As of Monday morning, officials say the fire has scorched 3,944 acres and is still 0% contained.
However, firefighters were able to begin construction of a fire line on the eastern and western flanks of the fire with the help of four Super Scoopers and 12 helicopters using fire retardant and water to slow the spread of the flames.
MAKING SENSE OF WILDFIRE JARGON
Critical fire weather conditions exist in the Southwest, and Fire Weather Alerts are in effect for nearly 4 million Americans.
NEW SATELLITE TECH IMPROVES AIR QUALITY FORECASTS FROM WILDFIRES
(FOX Weather)
Dry thunderstorms also pose a threat across New Mexico, adding to concerns of new wildfires igniting.
Cloud-to-ground lightning can strike the surface and spark a wildfire, especially if the vegetation is dry. Gusty winds associated with the thunderstorm can then fan the flames and cause the fire to quickly grow out of control.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX WEATHER UPDATE PODCAST
Track the temperatures in your area with the FOX Weather app. The free FOX Weather livestream is also available 24/7 on the website and app and on your favorite streaming platform. The FOX Weather Update podcast also provides weather information for the entire country.