Fire

Los Alamos Firefighters Douse Fire In School Canyon

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Los Alamos Firefighters knocked down a small fire this morning that ignited in School Canyon. The cause of the fire is under investigation and firefighters remind hikers that the area is under high fire conditions. School Canyon is a tributary of Pueblo Canyon that heads near LA Mountain on the Santa Fe National Forest. This trail traverses a bench below 37th Street and connects with the trail network in Pueblo Canyon. Photo by Bill Dunn Read More

UPDATE: Timberon Fire In Otero County

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NMSF News:
 
The Pecos Zone Type III Team has assumed command of the Timberon Fire in Otero County. There are no reported changes to the fire’s size or activity. Containment lines continue to hold. The fire is 14 percent contained.

Numerous resources have been or are in the process of being released from the fire today. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity are helping firefighters with suppression efforts. Evacuation orders are still in operation and will remain so until further notice.

The Timberon Fire has burned 290 acres of private land. The

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SFNF Implements Stage I Fire Restrictions

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CAUTION: Fire Danger is Very High! Courtesy image
 
SFNF News:
 
SANTA FE ― The Santa Fe National Forest will implement campfire and smoking restrictions effective 8 a.m. today.
 
Fire danger on the forest remains very high due to continued high temperatures and dry conditions accompanying the delayed onset of the monsoon season.
 
Under Stage I restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal grills, and coal and wood stoves are allowed only in developed campsites or picnic areas with existing fire rings or grills. Campfires are prohibited at all
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Governor Activates State Emergency Operations Center, Federal Funding Approved To Assist In Timberon Fire

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New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez
 
STATE News:
 
SANTA FE — Gov. Susana Martinez directed the activation of the New Mexico Emergency Operations Center Thursday to assist in the coordinated response to the Timberon Fire in Otero County.
 
Martinez also announced that federal funding to help cover costs associated with fighting the fire has been approved.
 
“First and foremost, our priority is protecting the people of Timberon and surrounding areas,” Martinez said. “I’ve directed our state agencies to work together to ensure that all resources are
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Sierra Club Statement On Crude Oil And Wastewater Tankers Explosion

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SIERRA CLUB News:

NAGEEZI – Monday night, 36 tankers storing crude oil and wastewater exploded and burned.

According to reports, approximately 10 families were evacuated and as of this morning, the fire has yet to be extinguished.

In response, Sierra Club Beyond Dirty Fuels Director Lena Moffitt released the following statement:

“Our thoughts are with the families affected by this disaster, which further highlights the extreme dangers dirty fuels pose not only to our climate and public health, but to our communities. We cannot continue to permit corporate polluters to put their profits Read More

Letter To The Editor: Kudos To Fire Department

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By CAROL BRONISZ
Los Alamos

Kudos to the Los Alamos Fire Department for the handling of the North Mesa fire on Tuesday. Their quick and skillful response prevented what could have been a disastrous situation with the current dry conditions. 

I wish to convey a personal thank you to all of the firefighters who did an outstanding job. Read More

Small Fire Erupts Near Los Alamos Middle School

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By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post

Fire investigators are at the scene of a small fire that erupted this afternoon on San Ildefonso Road near Camino Duraznillo on North Mesa in Los Alamos.

Fire crews arrived quickly and jumped right on it, Fire Marshal Jeff Wetteland said.

“I watched the fire attack almost from start to finish and the firefighters were real aggressive in putting it out,” Wetteland said moments ago. “We are in extreme fire danger conditions right now, and with this wind, it could have really gotten out of hand.”

Wetteland said initial indications

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Oil Rig Explosion Closes Highway 550 Near Nageezi

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Fire burns five-acre area comprising more than 30 oil storage tanks this morning near the intersection of County Road 7890 and U.S. Highway 550. Courtesy/jemezdailypost.com

JEMEZ DAILY POST:

Travelers on U.S. Highway 550 are being notified that the highway is closed today in both directions at mile marker 114, near Nageezi and Councelor due to a fire on an oil and gas well.

The five-acre site, comprising more than 30 oil storage tanks, is near the intersection of County Road 7890 and U.S. Highway 550.

Fire crews are standing by outside a half mile perimeter for the moment, since the fire Read More

News Alert: Smoke Likely Above Los Alamos Today

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COUNTY News Alert:

Residents may see smoke from the San Juan County fires caused by an oil rig explosion drifting over Los Alamos by late afternoon.

According to weather service modeling of the smoke, local weather conditions and expected wind patterns, the smoke is likely to be observed above Los Alamos by approximately 3 p.m..

Hazmat officials are on scene in San Juan County and monitoring air quality. They reported that there are no toxic chemicals detected in the plumes. Read More