Final Update On Black Feather Fire

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on August 28, 2023
- 11:09 am

Fire Information Update:

Location: Approximately 9 miles south of Gallina on the Santa Fe National Forest, Coyote Ranger District.

Near the Peñas Negras Trail in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness.

Details:

- - - - Acres: 2,198 acres
      - Start Date: Aug. 5, 2023
      - Cause: Lightning
      - Fuels: Timber, Brush, Understory
      - Containment: 28 percent
      - Resources: 114 personnel

Highlights: The type 3 team will be transferring command to the local district and transitioning at 7 a.m. Thursday Aug. 31. The crews and equipment have made great progress on the Black Feather fire. UAS pilots flew the UAS (Unmanned aircraft system) with infrared capabilities and scouted for hotspots and any areas of concern. While in flight the UAS (Unmanned aircraft system) only found one area of heat. Crews were able to access the area and address the heat. The Black Feather fire received significant rainfall the past few days aiding the crews in suppressing the fire. Hand crews gained more progress in the wilderness in continuing and secure the fires edge. Engine crews outside of the wilderness have been patrolling and monitoring the fires edge along with securing any hotspots or smoke showing within the fire’s perimeter.

Operations: Suppression efforts are continuing within the wilderness and along the fires edge. Crews and engines are actively suppressing and monitoring activities in relation to weather and fire behavior to ensure incident objectives are met while remaining focused on firefighter safety.

Safety: Equipment and fire crews are actively moving in and around the fire area. Please use caution when traveling around the Black Feather Fire. The Temporary Flight Restriction is still in place. Please do not fly drones anywhere near the fire. If you fly, we can’t fly.

Weather: Storm chances will continue to trend down through the rest of the week, while temperatures trend upward a few degrees. Strong winds will be associated with thunderstorms along with outflow winds. Scattered showers and thunderstorms through the afternoon and evening.

Restrictions/Closures: Effective today, Aug. 21, the Santa Fe National Forest has issued an updated area, road, and trail closure in part of the Coyote Ranger District. See this link for information and a corresponding map. Forest Road 103 is now open. Closures will be adjusted based on fire activity. All closures will be lifted starting Wednesday Aug. 30, Firefighters will still be in the area.