Crews battle fire in Guadalupe Mountains National Park near Carlsbad

Crews continue to battle the Coyote Peak fire in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park near Carlsbad, N.M.

Officials with the Southwest Incident Management Team tell Abc-7 the fire, caused by lightning, has grown to 12,500 acres. Crews of more than 300 personnel are monitoring the progress of the fire as weather allows. Due to expected rain showers and thunderstorms, fire managers expect little new fire growth.

The fire is 30% contained. Friday, crews were able to conduct approximately 2,500 acres of aerial ignitions.

“Interior ignitions will help us have a healthier, more sustainable forest,” said John Montoya, Fire Management Officer for the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. “Our white pine and conifer forests historically experienced fire every nine to sixteen years. However, much of the forest surrounding The Bowl had not seen fire in nearly 100 years.”

Officials say the interior ignitions will also help reduce fuel loads of woody debris across the park as the fire progresses towards full containment.

Dog Canyon, Devil’s Hall Trail, Frijole Trail, Foothill Trail and all backcountry areas of the Park will remain closed until further notice.

Park areas remaining open are Guadalupe Peak Trail, El Capitan, and Smith Spring Trail.