Fire

Fire Burning In The Jemez Is Named Cerro Pelado Fire

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SFNF News:

The fire that ignited late this afternoon in the Jemez is named the Cerro Pelado Fire.

The fire is burning on Forest Road 10 and N.M. 4, approximately 7 miles east of Jemez Springs.

The fire has consumed more than 50 acres and is zero percent contained. The cause is unknown.

  • Evacuations: Sandoval County is evacuating the communities of Sierra de Los Pinos and Los Griegos due to extremely windy, dry conditions and the Cerro Pelado Fire’s potential for growth.
  • Resources: Firefighters from the Jemez Ranger District and Sandoval County as well as local volunteer fire departments are on
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New Mexico State Police Close N.M. 4 At East Jemez Road; Authorize LAPD To Close Back Gate Due To Fire In Jemez

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LAPD has closed N.M. 4 at the Back Gate until further notice due to the wildfire underway in the Jemez. Courtesy/LAPD

LAPD News: 

The Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) has notified the Los Alamos Daily Post that the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) has authorized LAPD to close N.M. 4 at the Back Gate until further notice due to the wildfire underway in the Jemez.

LAPD also said that NMSP is closing N.M. 4 at Mile Marker 30 (East Jemez Road) until further notice. Read More

Wildfire Ignites In Sierra De Los Pinos In The Jemez!

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A wildfire ignited late this afternoon in the Sierra De Los Pinos subdivision off N.M. 4 in the Jemez Mountains. Los Alamos County Deputy Fire Chief Steve Dawald told the Los Alamos Daily Post moments ago that it appears a full evacuation is underway. Also there are unconfirmed reports of a structure fire in the area of Sierra de Los Pinos. Chief Dawald added that La Cueva Volunteer Firefighters are on scene as well as firefighters from the US Forest Service. He anticipates fire departments from the surrounding area will be call in to assist with battling the blaze soon, including Los Alamos, Rio Read More

New Mexico State Land Office Bans Campfires On All State Trust Lands … Open Burning, Fireworks Also Prohibited

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New Mexico State Land Office News:

SANTA FE – Due to the rapid spread of wildfires across New Mexico, the State Land Office has announced a ban on campfires, open burning and fireworks on all state trust lands, effective immediately. 

Much of New Mexico is experiencing high fire danger due to high temperatures, strong winds, low humidity and forest fuels.

Campfires, open burning and fireworks are prohibited on all state trust lands There is an exception if you are using cooking or heating devices fueled by kerosene, white gas or propane in an improved camping area that is cleared of flammable

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SFNF Implements Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE — Based on recent wildfire activity and persistent severe fire weather conditions, the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will implement forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions at 8 a.m. Friday, April 22, to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

Forest managers use several criteria to determine when to implement restrictions, including current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources.

Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following activities on the SFNF:

  • Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire,
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Cooks Peak Fire Evacuation Update

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Smoke from the Cook Fire is visible this afternoon from the Los Alamos County Airport. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

STATE News:

LAS VEGAS, NM – As of 6 p.m., the evacuation status of Rayado, Sunny Side, Miami and the Philmont Scout Ranch to the headquarters has been moved to Set!, and the town of Cimarron to Ready! status.

This is necessary due to current fire behavior and predicted weather verified by fire models that show significant potential for fire growth to the north. Residents in Colfax County should sign up now for Code Red, a system that notifies residents of evacuation status. Read More

County: NWS Forecasts Extreme Fire Weather For Friday

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COUNTY News:

The National Weather Service forecasts elevated to extreme fire weather conditions for Friday, April 22, across the State of New Mexico.

High winds in the Los Alamos area are expected to peak at around 50 miles per hour between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. This coupled with very low humidity, above-average temperatures and unstable conditions increase the risk of wildfires that can spread rapidly. Therefore, the Los Alamos Fire Department reminds individuals to follow “One Less Spark” campaign from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

To mitigate sparks and heat sources that can ignite Read More

PEEC: Fiery Conversations In Los Alamos April 21

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Learn about Los Alamos County’s 2022 wildland fire season outlook at a virtual talk Thursday. Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC News:

LANL Wildland Fire Management Officer Richard Nieto and Los Alamos County Fire Department Division Chief Kelly Sterna will discuss predicted 2022 seasonal wildland fire conditions.

This virtual talk happening at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 21 will provide knowledge on deciding fire danger ratings and other practices used to predict and mitigate seasonal conditions of wildland fire in the region.

For more information about this and other PEEC programs, visit peecnature.org Read More

Los Alamos County Council Proclaims April 19, 2022 ‘Norma Jean Valdez Day’

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LAFD Senior Management Analyst Norma Jean Valdez accepts a proclamation today in Council Chambers declaring Tuesday, April 19, 2022, ‘Norma Jean Valdez Day’. From left, Deputy Fire Chief Steve Dawald, Councilor Keith Lepsch, Valdez and Fire Chief Troy Hughes who nominated Valdez for the prestigious CPSE Ray Picard Award. Screenshot/LADP

LAFD Senior Management Analyst Norma Jean Valdez receives a standing ovation from Council and County staff for bringing international recognition to Los Alamos and New Mexico. Screenshot/LADP

Staff Report

Los Alamos County Council today proclaimed Read More