During the public meeting this evening in Griffith Gymnasium, Los Alamos Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Guy and Los Alamos Fire Chief Troy Hughes, right, present a crown to Incident Commander Rich Harvey of Great Basin Team 1 in appreciation for his work and leadership on the Cerro Pelado Fire. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos County got a healthy dose of good news during the public meeting for the Cerro Pelado Fire this evening at Griffith Gymnasium.
Los Alamos National Laboratory announced its return to “ready” in the Ready, Set, Go procedure and effective Tuesday morning, so will the County.
In more positive updates, Incident Commander Rich Harvey of Great Basin Team 1 mentioned during the question-and-answer period that he estimated that N.M. 4 could be reopened Thursday. However, he cautioned that is contingent on all the various partners’ agreement.
While all this news can bring a sigh of relief, Los Alamos and the rest of New Mexico are not immune to more wildfires.
LANL Wildland Fire Program Manager Rich Nieto pointed out benchmarks are being pushed as far as low humidity and heat. As a result, he urged everyone to be mindful of their actions and choices.
“For us to just be mindful as a community … just to be mindful of what those conditions are … have some ownerships as homeowners, (it’s the) responsibility of all of us to take mindful care that we are responsible in regard to do what we do based on the current conditions,” Nieto said.
Commander Harvey emphasized this point that the wind isn’t going away.
“What started with about five days of red flags has gotten a bit better for us, but I found out one thing: The wind always blows in New Mexico,” Harvey said. “… It really has been a challenge for us.”
Still, “at the end of the day, I think the product we’re turning over … is a pretty good product,” he said. “We also promised open relationships … we met all over … I think we fought this fire pretty good. But I will remind you that 62 percent contained is not 100 percent contained. This is not a done deal yet, folks. New Mexico right now is just coming into the traditional fire season … we will not lose focus on what we have out there; we always keep an eye on the fire … so there is no lost traction (and) we continue to gain progress.”
Another big focus is helping people return to normalcy, Harvey said, and to help them get back into their homes, have businesses and school reopen.
As a token off appreciation for everyone’s efforts, local students made thank you cards, posters and other items for the firefighters. A special crown was given to Commander Harvey.
Los Alamos Fire Chief Troy Hughes commended Harvey and Great Basin Incident Team 1 on their professionalism.
Los Alamos Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Guy also commended their efforts and said to enjoy their gifts from the students.
“It’s from the heart and we are grateful…,” she said.
