SFNF News:
Firefighters are planning to begin burnout operations today along the southern, western, and northern edges of the Medio Fire, which has burned 2,432 acres off the Rio en Medio Trail on the Española Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) between the Rio Nambe and the Rio en Medio, approximately 2 miles north of the Village of Rio en Medio, 2 miles east/southeast of Nambe Reservoir and 5 miles north/northwest of the Santa Fe Ski Basin.
These planned operations will likely result in increased air traffic, smoke and fire activity in these areas.
This strategy is intended to moderate fire intensity as the main fire approaches containment lines. These complex burnouts may require several days to complete.
The Structure Protection Group will continue to work with homeowners along the western portion of Forest Road 102 to implement protection measures and mitigate risks to these residences.
The public should expect to see an increase in air traffic, smoke, and fire activity today as a result of planned burnout operations.
Start Date: Aug. 17, 2020
Cause: Unknown
Location: Rio en Medio Trail, Española Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest
Acres: Approximately 2,432 acres
Fuels: Dry mixed conifer, ponderosa pine
Containment: 5%
Total personnel: 187
Operations: Sunday, the fire experienced increased activity along the northern edge as it backed downhill towards the Nambe Trail. Air tankers dropped two loads of retardant along the western flank to moderate fire intensity and allow time for crews to complete critical burnouts. Burnout operations along the eastern edge have been successful in removing fuels and reducing risk to tribal trust lands and the Santa Fe ski basin area.
Community Meeting: The IMT hosted a virtual community meeting yesterday, with more than 500 participants viewing the live video. American Sign Language interpretation and live-captioning services are now being provided. A recording of the meeting is now available at https://facebook.com/santafeNF/. No account is required to view the video. The next virtual community meeting will be held tonight at 6 pm on the Santa Fe National Forest’s Facebook page. We will monitor online Facebook questions during the meeting, or you can email us your questions in advance at 2020.medio@firenet.gov. A recording will be posted immediately following the meeting.
Closures: The Santa Fe National Forest has issued a closure order prohibiting members of the public from entering the restricted area, including all Forest Service lands, roads and trails, within an area that is roughly defined by the Rio Nambe Trail #160 on the north, the Borrego Trail #150 and Forest Road 412 on the east, Forest Road 102 on the south and back up the forest boundary line on the west to meet the Rio Nambe Trail #160. Fire managers are asking the public to exercise caution and avoid all areas that could be impacted by the Medio Fire.
Smoke: An Air Resource Advisor has joined the incident to help address smoke-related issues, including public health concerns. Smoke from the Medio Fire is likely to be visible from Santa Fe and surrounding communities as well as along the I-25 and US-285 corridors. In addition, multiple fires in Colorado are also blowing smoke into the area. You can view an interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ and zoom into the Santa Fe area to see the latest smoke information. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at https://www.env.nm.gov/air-quality/.
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7031/
Santa Fe National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/santafe/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/santafeNF/
New Mexico Fire Information: https://nmfireinfo.com/author/sfnfpao/
Interactive Map: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=4925ec13d6bd41538157172dcb9462ed
