Fire

Abandoned Campfire Sparked El Cajete Fire

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An abandoned campfire sparked the El Cajete Fire Thursday in the Jemez. Photo by Jason Wardlow Herrera 

SFNF News:

Fire investigators have determined that it was an abandoned campfire that sparked the El Cajete Fire, which has consumed more than 1,300 acres since erupting Thursday in the Jemez.

The El Cajete Fire started approximately one mile northeast of Vallecitos de los Indios. The fire area runs along the East Fork of the Jemez River and is to the west of the burn scars from the 2011 Las Conchas Fire and the 2013 Thompson Ridge Fire. It is burning in the Jemez Ranger District on the Santa Read More

State Secures Federal Funds To Fight El Cajete Fire

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Gov. Susana Martinez

SANTA FE — Today, Gov. Susana Martinez announced that New Mexico has secured federal funding to help fight the Cajete Fire.

New Mexico’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Funds through the grant will help cover costs of emergency protective measures and firefighting activities.

“Our coordinated response, through state agencies and our local partners, is working hand in hand with the Forest Service to fight the fire and protect the lives and property of New Mexicans,” Martinez said. “These Read More

Update: 300 Personnel Working On El Cajete Fire

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El Cajete Fire boundary map. Courtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

The latest news on the El Cajete Fire is that more than 300 personnel are working on it. Also, there will be a community meeting on the El Cajete Fire at 6 p.m. today at the Jemez Mountain Baptist Church, 6 Riverview Court, La Cueva.

The fire is burning in the Jemez Ranger District on the Santa Fe National Forest, on both sides of N.M. 4 along the southern boundary of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The Cajete Fire started approximately one mile northeast of Vallecitos de los Indios.

The fire area runs along the East Fork of the Jemez River and Read More

LAPS Stands Ready To Assist El Cajete Fire Evacuees

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LAPS News:

Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) stands ready to assist residents being evacuated from their homes due to El Cajete Fire near Jemez Springs.

With more than 200 people displaced, LAPS expresses empathy and understanding of this difficult situation. The Los Alamos Middle School is availble to provide relief for evacuees who may need a place for respite, showers and bathrooms.

All support activities will be coordinated with Los Alamos County, New Mexico Emergency Operations and the Red Cross.

Direct questions to the School District Office at 505.663.2222. Read More

Morning Update: El Cajete Fire Grows To 1,315 Acres

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Smoke rises in the sky from the Cajete Fire, which has burned more than 1,000 acres since igniting Thursday morning in the Jemez. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

EMNRD-FORESTRY News:

This morning’s update just came in on the Cajete Fire burning in the Jemez west of Los Alamos:

  • Start Date and Time: June 15 at 10:45 a.m.
  • Start Location: North of Jemez Springs, El Cajete Mine , MM 33 in the Sierra de los Pinos area
  • Cause of Fire: Unknown
  • Area Vegetation: Grass and ponderosa pine
  • Acres Burned: 1,315
  • Ownership: US Forest Service
  • Structures Threatened: Yes
  • Structures
Read More

Jemez Ranger District Implements Stage 1 Restrictions

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE – As crews continue to battle the Cajete Fire along N.M. 4 in the Jemez Mountains, the Santa Fe National Forest has now implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions on the southwestern side of the forest.

The Stage 1 restrictions cover the entire Jemez Ranger District and the southwestern corner of the Cuba Ranger District south of the Ranchos del Chaparral Girl Scout Camp.

The decision to impose restrictions was initially based on a rash of abandoned and unattended campfires combined with hot, dry conditions and the number of visitors expected over Father’s Day weekend. And then Read More

Pinon Park Pool Staff Refresh Emergency Training Skills

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White Rock Fire Station #3, Fire Marshal Jeff Wetteland, left, and Emergency Management Division Chief Ben Stone, right, visit Pinon Park Pool Thursday for a staff information session. All lifeguards at Pinon Park Pool are Red-Cross certified and trained to deal with a range of emergency situations. The visit from LAFD reiterated the importance of continuously practicing their training and being prepared for any event. Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo Read More

Echo Amphitheatre Temporarily Closed Due To Fire

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Echo amphitheater is a natural amphitheatre about 17 miles west of Abiquiú and 4 miles up the road from Ghost Ranch in Rio Arriba County. Courtesy photo

USFS News:

CANJILON—Fire officials responded Thursday night to a fire started in sagebrush within the Echo Amphitheatre parking area in the Carson National Forest near Abiquiu.

The fire is human caused and has been fully contained with minimal heat remaining.

Public safety is the number one priority and the Echo Amphitheatre day use area and campground will be closed until further notice as fire managers continue to monitor the fire.

For any Read More