SFNF News:

The fire that ignited late this afternoon in the Jemez is named the Cerro Pelado Fire.

The fire is burning on Forest Road 10 and N.M. 4, approximately 7 miles east of Jemez Springs.

The fire has consumed more than 50 acres and is zero percent contained. The cause is unknown.

• Evacuations: Sandoval County is evacuating the communities of Sierra de Los Pinos and Los Griegos due to extremely windy, dry conditions and the Cerro Pelado Fire’s potential for growth.
• Resources: Firefighters from the Jemez Ranger District and Sandoval County as well as local volunteer fire departments are on scene.
• Weather: A particularly dangerous fire weather event is ongoing across the area as unusually high winds hit hard ahead of a strong cold front. Conditions are ripe for rapid large fire growth with long-range spotting. Cold air moving in behind the front will result in below-normal temperatures this weekend, but windy conditions will continue.
• Fuels: The Cerro Pelado Fire is burning in ponderosa pine and mixed conifer. Conditions on the forest are extremely dry with high fire danger and abundant available fuels.
• Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority.
• Smoke: Smoke from the Cerro Pelado Fire is likely to be visible from Los Alamos, N.M. 4, US Route 550, Canon, Jemez Pueblo, Jemez Springs, Sierra Los Pinos, La Cueva and San Diego Canyon. 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 online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website at https://nmtracking.org/fire. See an interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ to zoom into various areas to see the latest smoke conditions.