Start Date: June 15, 2017 Cause: Abandoned campfire Size: 1,412 acres Containment: 96%
Vegetation: Mostly ponderosa pine with some mixed conifer and aspen on the north facing slopes.
Resources Assigned: 359 personnel – 3 Type 1 Crews, 4 Type 2 crews, 14 engines, 1 dozer, 4 water tenders, 2 Type 1 helicopters, 2 Type 2 helicopters, and 1 Type 3 helicopter
Transition: On Thursday, June 22, California Team 3 will transition to a Type 3 organization that will patrol the fire. As containment objectives are met, some crews and overhead are being demobilized or re-assigned to other incidents.
Current Situation: Crews on the fireline today anticipate minimal fire activity. Firefighters continue mop-up and fire suppression repair, working to remove signs of suppression activity and prevent erosion.
The uncontained section of the perimeter in the southeastern corner of the fire near Los Griegos Peak is a patch of standing dead trees left by the 2011 Las Conchas fire. These “snags” can fall suddenly. Firefighters are monitoring this area today, which has been holding and is not expected to grow.
A historic wooden phone box from the 1920s-30s era was found on Los Griegos Peak, and reported to the resource adviser. This remnant was historically used to report fires to the Jemez Ranger Station.
Weather: Hot and dry conditions will continue across the area today. Afternoon cloud build-up is anticipated, but the thunderstorm threat for the fire area is minimal. By the weekend, cooler and more unsettled weather is expected as a cold front moves across the area. This front will bring chance of showers and thunderstorms to the area.
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: 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.
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, 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 at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5251/, as well as New Mexico Fire Information website at nmfireinfo.com and on @SantaFeNF and www.facebook.com/SantaFeNF.