State

N.M. 4 Closed at SR 126 to SR 501 Junction

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Smoke from the Thompson Ridge Fire visible driving west from Pojoaque early Saturday evening. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
 
Thompson Ridge Fire Update
June 9, 2013

Acres: 20,687; Start date: May 31, 2013; Cause: Downed powerline; Location: Valles Caldera National Preserve; Containment: 40 percent; Fuels: Mixed conifer and Ponderosa pine; Terrain: Steep, rugged; Resources: 21 crews, 52 engines, 35 water tenders, 2 dozers; Total personnel: 1,023  and Available air support: 3 air tankers, 6 helicopters.

Summary: Fire intensity increased significantly along Read More

Summer Driving Tips For Hot Weather

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STATE FARM News:
 
As the temperatures heat up in New Mexico – it’s important to prepare for traveling the state’s roads and highways.
 
A bit of planning and some simple steps can help save time, money, headaches avoid disasters on the road.
 
Have the car checked out to make sure it is fit for summer:
  • Check the air conditioning. You may want to have a professional inspect the entire system;
  • A service professional should inspect the radiator, pressure cap, belts, and hoses;
  • Check the cooling system, and if necessary, get it serviced; and
  • Check the air pressure in all
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Thompson Ridge Fire Estimated Containment Date is June 10

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Gov. Susana Martinez

Thompson Ridge Fire Update

The Thompson Ridge Fire started May 31, 2013. It is located on the Valles Caldera National Preserve about two miles northeast of La Cueva.

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez will be in attendance at a public meeting scheduled for the Thompson Ridge Fire at 4 p.m. today, Saturday, June 8. The meeting will be at the Fire Station in Sierra los Pinos, south of N.M. 4 on FR 10. The Arizona Central West Zone team will be present to give an update on the fire.

The fire is in steep rugged terrain and is burning mixed conifer and ponderosa pine. The Arizona Central West Read More

NM Delegation Introduces Bill to Protect Special-Ed Funding

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the New Mexico Congressional Delegation have introduced a bill to protect New Mexico’s future special education funding.

This week, the Department of Education ruled that New Mexico underfunded its share of the cost of educating students with special needs for the state fiscal year 2011. It determined New Mexico did not meet its financial obligations for special education spending by $34 million.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), states must maintain their share of special education spending through a “maintenance of effort” Read More

Letter to the Editor: Protect Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks

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By Kay Ortega
Los Alamos

We are all proud of the characteristics that make us unique; we should have the same pride for the characteristics that differentiate New Mexico from other states.

One such feature is the Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks, a series of mountain ranges in the southern part of our state. This unique habitat provides a stunning backdrop for the New Mexican wilderness and the city of Las Cruces.

Unfortunately, Congressman Steve Pearce’s HR 995 will reduce the amount of protected land and remove protection from this valuable area. Losing these fortifications could open up the Read More

Alert: Heavy Police Presence to Limit Public Activity, Travel on N.M. 4 from Jemez Springs to Los Alamos and Highway 126 to Cuba

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SFNF News Alert:

Public Advisory: We would like to encourage everyone to limit activity and travel on N.M. 4 from Jemez Springs to Los Alamos and Highway 126 to Cuba due to heavy fire traffic in and around the Thompson Ridge Fire. 

Heavy police presence from the Sandoval and New Mexico State Police Departments will be in the area to monitor traffic.

For more information regarding the fire please visit www.inciweb.org or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ThompsonRdgFire. Additional photos and information are available at www.facebook.com/ThompsonRdgFire and www.flickr.com/ThompsonRdgFire Read More

Biologists Rescue Trout Threatened by Tres Lagunas Fire

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Game and Fish biologists remove cutthroat trout in Macho Creek threatened by the Tres Lagunas Fire. Courtesy photo
 
NMGF News:

 PECOS – Fisheries biologists with the Department of Game and Fish and the Santa Fe National Forest removed 49 Rio Grande cutthroat trout from a small creek threatened by the Tres Lagunas Fire this week, ensuring the pure strain of native fish will survive if the fire threatens its watershed.

A crew of 10 hiked two miles up Macho Creek, about three miles southwest of Terrero, and used electroshocking equipment to stun and net the trout. The 5- to 10-inch fish Read More

Udall and Heinrich: Prevent Fires From Downed Power Lines

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Downed power line illustration. Courtesy photo

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following news that recent fires in New Mexico were caused by downed power lines, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich are encouraging cooperation between utility companies and federal agencies to keep trees away from power lines and reduce the risk of wildfires.
 
Downed power lines have caused several wildfires, including the Tres Lagunas and Thompson Ridge fires currently burning in northern New Mexico.
 
In letters to the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Agriculture and the electric
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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

  Read More