SANTA FE – Today and Monday, more firefighters and equipment will be arriving in Jemez Springs to strengthen the Type 3 Incident Management organization on the Pino Wildfire.
The lightning caused fire, on Santa Fe National Forest’s Jemez Ranger District, is now estimated at 141 acres. The fire is five miles south of N.M. 4 and six miles east of Jemez Springs. The wildfire is being managed for resource benefit.
Saturday, firefighters observed low intensity fire activity. Smoke from this fire is still not significant, but will steadily increase over the holiday weekend. In preparation for Tuesday’s planned ignitions, locations for helispots and dip sites have been assessed. Today firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor the fire. There are no road closures at this time due to fire operations. Access to the forest may be limited in some areas for a few days. Visitors are advised to expect an increase in firefighter vehicle traffic.
A Jemez Mountain Electric Cooperative (JMEC) power line exists within the fire area. Fuel mitigations have been completed over the previous year and a plan is in place to restore electricity as quickly as possible if an interruption occurs. If electricity is interrupted notify JMEC at (877) 753-0095.
The La Cueva Volunteer Fire Department will staff Sierra Los Pinos’ Station #52 to answer questions if there are issues with electric power service. Sandoval County EOC Code Red Reverse 911 system will be utilized to distribute important safety messages specific to those areas that could potentially be affected. For safety notifications in Sandoval County, sign up below at:http://www.sandovalcounty.com/
A community meeting to discuss management of the Pino Wildfire has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Walatowa Visitor Center.