Fire

Lightning Sparks Aragon Fire In Cuba Ranger District

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SFNF News:

Lightning sparked a fire today in the Cuba Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest

Start Date: July 13

Cause: Lightning

Size: 5 acres

Location: Cuba Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest

Containment: 0 percent

Fuel: Ponderosa Pine

Weather: Cloudy with thunderstorms and lightning

Resources: seven personnel on UTVs

Situation: The fire is in a remote location East of Gallina Peak and West of the Rio Chama Wilderness in the Aragon Spring Area. The fire received precipitation. Personnel scouted for containment lines and will continue through the weekend. Resources Read More

SFNF: Sarca Fire Update

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SFNF Sarca Fire Update:
 
Start Date: July 7
 
Cause: Lightning
 
Size: 7 acres
 
Location: Agua Sarca drainage area of the Pecos Wilderness – Santa Fe National Forest
 
Containment: 0%
 
Fuel: ponderosa pine and other mixed conifer
 
Weather: Cloudy with rain storms approaching
 
Situation: Due to the combination of the fire being inside the Pecos wilderness area, the steep and rocky terrain, and precipitation and lightning, fire managers are monitoring the fire by aircraft. Smoke visible along 285/84 corridor,
Read More

SFNF: Wildhorse Fire Update

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SFNF Wildhorse Fire Update:
 
Start Date: July 8
 
Cause: Lightning
 
Size: 7 acres
 
Location: Chama Wilderness Area of the Coyote Ranger District – Santa Fe National Forest
 
Containment: 0%
 
Fuel: ponderosa pine, pinyon, oak brush and grass
 
Weather: Cloudy and rainy
 
Situation: Minimal fire behavior. Resources pulled from fire due to incoming weather – heavy rains and lightning. Smoke is visible from Llaves, Gallina, Abiquiu from highway 112, and roads 96, 84, 8, 151, 6, 7 and 77.
 
Smoke/Air Quality: Smoke impact
Read More

Los Alamos County Drops To Stage I Fire Restrictions … Local Trails Now Open!

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COUNTY News:

Effective immediately, Los Alamos County has dropped from Stage III to Stage I Fire Restrictions, opening the Los Alamos County Trail Network and open spaces.

Northern New Mexico’s extreme drought conditions that led to Stage III Restrictions should soon see some much-needed relief with the seasonal monsoons beginning across the state. Several criteria are used to determine when to implement fire restrictions, including current and predicted weather, as well as fuel moistures. Los Alamos County Fire Department asks that everyone please continue to use extreme caution and Read More

Santa Fe National Forest Reopens Monday!

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE – Due to several days of higher humidity and rain, the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will lift the closure order and stage 2 fire restrictions at 8 a.m. Monday, July 9 for the first time since entering full forest closure June 1.
 

The forest remained closed for public safety and forest health reasons until conditions improved to acceptable levels, according to forest leadership.

“We noticed conditions starting to improve two weeks ago when moisture levels increased due to higher humidity,” SFNF Supervisor James Melonas said. “The recent rain is the beginning of what Read More

Los Alamos Fire Chief Commends Community

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LAFD Chief Troy Hughes

LAFD News:

Los Alamos Fire Chief Troy Hughes reports that the Independence Day celebration came and went without any fire incidents, thanks to voluntary cooperation from community members in giving fireworks a “pass” during the extreme drought conditions Los Alamos is facing.

“We could not have been more pleased with the community’s response to our plea last week to keep the 4th of July fireworks-free,” Hughes said. “Overall, we observed very few instances of fireworks used in private celebrations. It was a peaceful, quiet day and that’s great news! I would just like Read More

Lujan Grisham Releases Plan To Fight Fires

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U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham
 
STATE News:
 
ALBUQUERQUE ― Monday, U.S. Rep. and gubernatorial candidate Michelle Lujan Grisham released her plan to prevent and fight fires in New Mexico.
 
“As families throughout New Mexico prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, federal and state parks across our state are closed because of severe fire threats. The changing climate and ongoing drought mean that New Mexico is at an even greater risk to experience devastating fires this season. With nine fires currently burning our lands, it’s critical that we develop a strategy to control
Read More

LAFD Mourns Death Of Former Capt. Patrick Herrera

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Patrick Herrera

LAFD News:

The Los Alamos Fire Department is sad to announce the passing of Patrick Herrera who served the LAFD for 17 years.

Patrick Raymond Herrera, 67, was born March 17, 1951 in Espanola and went to be with our Lord June 25. He lived his life to the fullest. He served in Vietnam as a Corporal with The United States Marine Corp 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division. He received a National Defense Service Medal, Expert Badge for M-14 rifle and a Good Conduct Medal. Patrick then served with the United States Coast Guard. He also worked for the Los Alamos National Laboratory as an electrician Read More

Scenes From Independence Day Flag Carry From Santa Fe National Cemetery To Flag Raising In White Rock

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Miguel Perez, left, and Stephen Betts take down the United States flag at 3 a.m. July 4 at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe for the Second Annual Independence Day Flag Carry to White Rock. Event organizers Stephen and Becca Betts said the flag has this year been flown at the State Capitol in Santa Fe, Fort Bayard National Cemetery and at a flag raising ceremony at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The flag was flown at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery prior to the first flag carry last July 4. Stephen Betts said the flag carry is held to thank all veterans, current Read More

San Antonio Fire in Valles Caldera 75% Contained

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FIRE UPDATE:

  

Jemez Springs — The lightning-caused San Antonio Fire on Valles Caldera National Preserve is now 75 percent contained and remains at 416 acres. There has been no significant growth, but interior hot spots are a concern. Crews will continue to mop up the hot spot within the mixed conifer and aspen.

 

After a fire, the first priority is emergency stabilization in order to prevent further damage to life, property or natural resources. The stabilization work begins immediately and may continue for up to a year. The longer-term rehabilitation effort to repair damage Read More