FGGAM just received this news release. We are praying for the safety of all, no wind and rain!George Ducker
Communications Coordinator
New Mexico State Forestry Division – EMNRD
george.ducker@emnrd.nm.gov
505-699-0601
Wildfire Notification #12
The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on two wildfires that are requiring the attention of federal, state, and local resources in New Mexico. The Blue 2 and Indios fires are burning on public lands and are being managed by Complex Incident Management Teams.
Blue 2 Fire
Highlights: Yesterday firefighters used aerial ignitions to conduct burnout operations in the Runnels area to improve fireline. A hotshot crew and crew of firefighters who rappelled from a helicopter worked the southeastern side of the fire to build handline to prevent advancement of fire in this area. Aerial resources were used all day to cool down hotspots near the fire’s edge and strengthen firelines created by ground crews.
Firefighters continue to reassess and improve structure protection efforts previously put in place. Crews are using existing features when possible, when creating handlines, such as trail systems, old roads, and rock formations. Hand tools, bulldozers, masticators, and aerial resources are being used to create control lines. Crews are extinguishing parts of the fireline that have been holding heat over the past few days and ensuring the area is cool to the human touch. Environmental challenges of working on this fire include inaccessibility to some areas of the fire’s edge, steep terrain, hot temperatures, and changing wind directions during the day.
Weather: Stronger winds with dry and hot temperatures.
Fire Restrictions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lincoln/alerts-notices/?aid=87781
Forest Closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lincoln/alerts-notices
Road Closures: https://nmroads.com/
Evacuations: (575) 336-8600 or please visit: https://www.lincolncountynm.gov/news_detail_T2_R25.php
For Ready, Set, Go Status definitions, please visit: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/
–
Fire Information Phone Number: 575-386-5077; open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Media Phone Number: 575-386-5108; open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Email: 2024.blue2@firenet.gov
–
Acres: 7,455
Start Date: May 16, 2024
Location: White Mountain Wilderness approximately 8 miles North of Ruidoso
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 699
Fuels: Timber/Grass/Brush
Containment: 0%
Resources: 13 crews | 41 engines | 8 helicopters | 9 bulldozers | 11 Water Tenders
Indios Fire
Highlights: The Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 4 will host an open house tonight, on Thursday, May 30, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the lecture hall at the Coronado High School, 1903 NM-96, Gallina, NM. The open house will provide an opportunity for the public to meet with fire managers and ask questions about the Indios Fire. Spanish language translations will be provided.
Operations: Cloud cover and high humidity moderated fire behavior and restricted fire movement to a short burn window late yesterday afternoon. Fire crews along the western side of the fire completed mastication and handline work on Forest Road 8 well ahead of schedule and began working on contingency planning further west. The east side of the fire along Forest Road 468 is holding well, freeing up some crews to assist in other areas. Around a private ranch southwest of the fire, crews constructed fireline using dozers to the west and built handline and laid hoses to the east. Swing shifts have been brought on to complement day crews, allowing fire management activities to continue late into the evening. Another 10,000-gallon water tank was placed, and aerial water support helped to aid ground activities. Overall, fire crews have been working expediently, accomplishing one week’s work in three days. Today, fire crews will continue this work as drier conditions move in. Structure protection crews will work along the southern edge of the confinement area to assess private property needs. External organizations, such as the Youth Conservation Corps, New Mexico Department of Transportation, and Coronado High School, are providing vital support to the incident management team.
Weather: Thunderstorm activity in southern Colorado, along with dry air from the west, should result in cloud buildup today. Temperatures should be similar to yesterday, and winds will continue to move down the canyons throughout the day and become westerly in the afternoon; however, air should be drier today than yesterday.
Smoke: Smoke from the Indios Fire is visible from surrounding communities. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Learn more about smoke impacts on the New Mexico Environment Department website at https://www.env.nm.gov/air-quality/fire-smoke-links/. View an interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/.
Closures: The Santa Fe National Forest has issued an emergency area closure for the Indios Fire. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety and the safety of all personnel working on the fire. The full closure order (No. 03-12-05-23-22) and map are available on Inciweb. Camping and water will be available at the Coyote Ranger Station for Continental Divide Trail hikers impacted by this closure.
Safety: A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. More information on the dangers drones pose to wildland firefighting aircraft and personnel on the ground can be found at:https://uas.nifc.gov/.
More Information: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmsnf-indios-wildfire /
–
Acres: 6,139
Start Date: May 19, 2024
Location: 7 miles north of the village of Coyote, NM
Personnel: 623
Completion: 25%
Fuels: Timber
