FGGAM News just received this update from our friend Dan Ware of the New Mexico State Forestry Fire Information Office:
NM State Forestry Fire Information
Pino Fire Update – 8:30 am
Start Date & Time: 3/28/2014 @ approx. 15:40
Start Location: #1 Pino Road, west of Rio Grande between Socorro/Valencia County Line and Highway 346, closer to county line.
Cause of Fire: human, under investigation
Area Vegetation: grass, brush, salt cedar
Acres Burned: 50+ acres
Ownership(s): Private
Structures Threatened: 5 to 6 residences/several hay barns
Structures Burned: none
Evacuations (Y or N & #): none reported
Situation: With the onset of colder temperatures and lighter winds, fire behavior settled somewhat last night as crews conducted a burnout operation and worked to build and hold containment lines on the southern edge of the fire. Conditions today are expected to be less windy, but warm temperatures and low humidity will create favorable conditions for increased fire activity.
The Albuquerque Zone Type III team will assume command of the fire today.
The fire is burning in both Valencia and Socorro Counties.
State Forestry Fire Investigators are on scene today to continue looking into the cause of the fire.
While the fire does threaten some homes and structures, no evacuations have been called for. Several area residents did voluntarily leave their homes due to the proximity of the fire.
% contained: none reported
# of Personnel: 50+
# of Crews: 2 IWC Crews
# of Engines: 15
# of Bulldozers: 1-BLM
# of helicopters: 1-USFS
# of water tenders: 3
EMNRD-FORESTRY DIVISION
Pino Fire Update – 8:00 pm Friday March 28
Start Date & Time: 3/28/2014 @ approx. 15:40
Start Location: #1 Pino Road, west of Rio Grande between Socorro/Valencia County Line and Highway 346, closer to county line.
Cause of Fire: human, under investigation
Area Vegetation: grass, brush, salt cedar
Acres Burned: 40 acres
Ownership(s): Private
Structures Threatened: 5 to 6 residences/several hay barns
Structures Burned: none reported
Evacuations (Y or N & #): none reported
Situation: Despite slowing down as it approached open areas and irrigated fields, the fire crossed the river due to high winds and continues to burn actively on both sides. A helicopter from the US Forest Service has been assisting ground crews. A hand crew from State Forestry’s Inmate Work Camp has been assigned to the fire and two State Forestry Fire Investigators are on scene. Crews and engines from Valencia and Socorro Counties, BLM, USFW and NM State Forestry will work to build and strengthen containment lines throughout the evening and overnight hours.
% contained: none report
Temperature: 68 degrees
Relative Humidity: 14%
Wind Speeds: 9-20mph
Wind Direction: west
# of Personnel: 50-Valencia County, Socorro County, N6S Engine en route
# of Crews: 1 IWC Crew
# of Engines: 15
# of Bulldozers: 1-BLM
# of helicopters: 1-USFS
# of water tenders: 3
