Full Notification

The US Forest Service is currently monitoring a fire in the East Mountains, approximately 2 miles Northwest of Cedar Crest. The lightning-caused Bart’s Fire is near the intersection of Barts Trail & Crest Trail. The fire consists of a single tree that is burning in the area and is causing a lot of smoke. Bernalillo County 911 is receiving a high volume of calls about this smoke. Please attempt to safely verify the source of smoke before calling 911.
Update 7/25/2018 - 10:00 PM
The Barts Fire, a single tree burning in remote wilderness, was first reported yesterday on the Sandia Ranger District. Initial attack crews had to turn around yesterday afternoon because of severe storm activity in the area, including lightning and heavy precipitation. They hiked in again today, but steep terrain and heavy fuels have made it difficult to reach the fire. A Bernalillo County helicopter conducted a reconnaissance flight late this afternoon. Fire fighters will determine an appropriate suppression strategy once they are able to conduct a full on-scene assessment. It’s a 20ft diameter smoldering underbrush with no visible flames, it is a small smoldering fire. The Fire is on the East Side of the South Peak of the Sandia Mountains.