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Fire crews fully contained the American Mesa Fire today. The lightning-caused fire was first reported on Aug. 5 and burned 386 acres.

The fire, which started off Forest Road 310E on the Jicarilla Ranger District, was first detected during hot, dry and windy conditions, three days after thunderstorms rolled through the area. The weather soon shifted, giving crews an upper hand and prompting a decrease in fire danger and removal of local forest fire restrictions across the Carson National Forest. Rain began to fall as crews wrapped up containment today.

“I’m thankful for all the hard work our staff and partners put into suppressing this fire,” said Jicarilla District Ranger Jim Eaton. “This was a challenging fire due to its location.”

The Jicarilla Ranger District, which is west of Dulce, N.M., is primarily wildland urban interface with natural gas infrastructure and some private inholdings. The fire’s initial rapid rate of spread toward the Jicarilla Apache Nation was also a concern. Fire managers coordinated with all potentially affected entities to ensure firefighter and public safety, as well as the protection of structures and private land. None were directly affected.

Fire crews will continue to patrol, monitor and mop-up the American Mesa Fire until it is declared fully controlled and out.