Fire

Thomas Ridge Fire Images on the Valles Caldera

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Spot fires from the Thompson Ridge Fire at Headquarters Wednesday evening at the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Photo by Jim ODonnell

An Air Crane passes Headquarters with a fresh load of water from the Jemez River. Photo by Jim ODonnell

A closeup of the understory burn from the Thompson Ridge Fire Wednesday at the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Photo by Jim ODonnell

An Air Crane siphons water from the Jemez River. Photo by Jim ODonnell

A healthy underbrush burn on the west side of the Valle Wednesday. Photo by Jim ODonnell

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Morning Fire Update: Thompson Ridge 10 Percent Contained; Tres Lagunas 34 Percent

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Smoke from the Thompson Ridge Fire visible Thursday looking west from Espanola. Photo by Leland Lehman/ladailypost.com
 
Thompson Ridge Fire Update
Friday, June 7, 2013, 8 a.m.

Acres: 14,430; Start date: May 31, 2013; Cause: Downed powerline; Location: Valles Caldera National Preserve; Containment: 10 percent; Fuels: Mixed conifer and Ponderosa pine; Terrain: Steep, rugged; Resources: 25 crews, 49 engines, 23 water tenders, 2 dozers; Total personnel: 1,015; Available air support: 3 air tankers, 4 helicopters;

Summary: Overnight, the fire activity was quiet compared with previous Read More

Los Alamos Fire Station 6 Undergoes Makeover

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Photo by Leland Lehman/ladailypost.com

Photo by Leland Lehman/ladailypost.com

Staff Report

A  major remodel in underway at Los Alamos Fire Department Station 6 at 457 East Road near the airport.
 
County Project Manager Wayne Kohlrust explained that one bay is being expanded to accommodate LAFD’s “Crash Truck” that services the airport. The current bay was just 4 inches wider than the crash truck. A second bay is under construction to accommodate a “Wildfire Truck.” The firefighters’ weight room is being expanded and additional storage
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Thompson Ridge Fire on The Valles Caldera – Update June 6 at 9 p.m.

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Valles Caldera National Preserve June 5. Photo by Robert Beberniss

Thompson Ridge Fire
June 6, 2013 9 p.m.

Acres: 12,900, Start date: May 31, 2013, Cause: Downed powerline Location: Valles Caldera National Preserve, Containment: 10 percent; Fuels: Mixed conifer and Ponderosa pine; Terrain: Steep, rugged; Resources: 25 crews, 49 engines, 23 water tenders, 2 dozers; Total personnel: 1,015; Available air support: 3 air tankers, 6 helicopters.

Summary: Crews continue to work day and night shifts to take advantage of a narrow window of favorable weather to conduct burnout operations along Read More

Valles Caldera Buildings Remain Intact

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Structure protection is underway at the Valles Caldera as the Thompson Ridge Fire approached the Historic Ranch section of the Valles Caldera. So far firefighters have protected all buildings on the Preserve. All public access to the Valles Caldera National Preserve remains closed to the public due to increased fire activity from the Thompson Ridge Fire. Photo by Kristen Honig/Valles Caldera

The Best Offense Is a Good Defense. Photo by Kristen Honig/Valles Caldera

Old Growth Protection. Photo by Kristen Honig/Valles Caldera

Another structure saved at the Valles Caldera. Photo by Kristen Read More

Thompson Ridge; Tres Lagunas Fire Updates – Morning of June 6

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The Thompson Ridge Fire on the Valles Caldera National Preserve Wednesday, June 5, 2013. Photo by Robert Beberniss

Thompson Ridge Fire Update
Thursday June 6, 2013 9 a.m.

Acres: 12,171; Start date: May 31, 2013; Cause: Downed powerline; Location: Valles Caldera National Preserve; Containment: 5 percent; Fuels: Mixed conifer and Ponderosa pine; Terrain: Steep, rugged; Resources: 23 crews, 36 engines, 8 water tenders, 2 dozers; Total personnel: 816 Available air support: 3 air tankers, 7 helicopters.

Summary: Yesterday and last night, lower temperatures and slightly higher humidity Read More

Letter to the Editor: So Much Anger Toward Fires

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By Jaret McDonald
Los Alamos

To all of our friends here in New Mexico: Once again we are under attack with Mother Natures finest criminals.

 
So much anger and depression toward the two big fires, once again taking our mountains and subjecting us to a life we didn’t expect.
 
We have a place for anyone out of place and hearts feel for all of us. Remember that life will begin again and will come back.
 
We understand that it might take a “few” years, but it will come back. New Mexico is great but the people are what make it amazing. Keep your heads up … We will prevail!
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House Passes Luján Amendment to Increase Funding for Wildfire Preparedness and Preventative Measures

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U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District offered an amendment late last night to the Fiscal Year 2014 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act to increase funding for grant programs that help communities prepare for wildfires.

The amendment passed the House with broad bipartisan support by a 287 to 136 vote this morning. Below are Representative Luján’s remarks from last night. Click here<https:////www.youtube.com/watch?v=579fTTs_gLM&feature=youtu.be> to watch Luján’s Read More

Thompson Ridge Fire Update – Evening of June 5

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The Thompson Ridge Fire battle continues behind the Valles Caldera Headquarters area. Courtesy/VCT

VALLES CALDERA TRUST News:

Thompson Ridge Fire Update

June 5, 2013  9 p.m.

Acres: 10,400                                   

Start date: May 31, 2013

Cause: Downed powerline              

Location: Valles Read More