Cajete Fire Update - June 20
Start Date: June 15, 2017 Cause: Abandoned campfire Size: 1,412 acres Containment: 87%
Vegetation: Mostly ponderosa pine with some mixed conifer and aspen on the north facing slopes.
Resources Assigned: 416 personnel – 3 Type 1 Crews, 7 Type 2 crews, 13 engines, 1 dozer, 3 water tenders, 3 Type 1 helicopters, 2 Type 2 helicopter, and 1 Type 3 helicopter
Current Situation: Crews on the fireline today anticipate minimal fire activity. The uncontained section of the fire perimeter is within a snag patch (a section of standing dead trees) in the southeastern corner of the fire near Los Griegos Peak. The standing dead trees in this area, left by the 2011 Las Conchas fire, can fall suddenly. For this reason, firefighters are avoiding particularly hazardous areas. This portion of the fire has been holding and is not expected to grow.
Firefighters have also begun fire suppression repair, working to remove signs of suppression activity and prevent erosion. As an example, sections of Las Conchas Trail were incorporated into handline built by firefighters to provide a firebreak. Trail segments are now being restored for post-incident public use.
Motorists are urged to be aware of firefighting equipment in transit along Highway 4. Hazard trees are also present. Fluctuating winds may cause snags to fall near or on roadways.
Community Meeting Tonight: A community meeting will be held tonight at Jemez Mountain Baptist Church in La Cueva at 6pm.
Weather: The fireline was wind-tested by yesterday afternoon’s thunderstorm activity. There is a slight chance of more thunderstorm activity developing this afternoon north of the fire area. This system could cause outflow winds that affect fire behavior.
Closures and Restrictions: Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect. The burned area is closed. Residents and visitors should not enter the burned area which is very hazardous.
Fire Safety: Fireworks are prohibited within Santa Fe National Forest. Visitors are urged to follow campfire safety procedures to prevent wildfires and ensure public safety. Campfires are only allowed in an established campground fire ring. All fires must be fully extinguished prior to leaving the immediate area. If you discover an unattended campfire, use 911 to report it, and do what you can to put it out.
Access to Area Attractions: All businesses and recreation sites in and around Jemez Springs are open and accessible, with the exception of the Jemez Falls and Redondo Campgrounds, and the Las Conchas Trail, which remain closed. The Valles Caldera National Preserve is open. The Gilman Tunnel is closed for repair.
Fire Information: Updates will be posted on InciWeb athttps://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5251/, as well as New Mexico Fire Information website at nmfireinfo.com and on @SantaFeNF andwww.facebook.com/SantaFeNF.