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 north facing slopes.
Resources Assigned: 258 personnel – 1 Type 1 Crew, 4 Type 2 crews, 5 engines, 1 water tender, and 1 Type 3 helicopter
Current Situation: California’s Type 1 Incident Management Team 3 transitioned to a Type 3 organization Thursday, transferring command of the Cajete Fire to Matt Armantrout of Utah’s Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
Firefighters anticipate minimal fire activity today as they mop-up hot spots and continue fire suppression repair, working to minimize signs of suppression activity and prevent erosion.
Firefighters are monitoring concentrations of heavy fuels smoldering along the fire’s southeast perimeter. No further growth on the Cajete Fire is anticipated. Hot and dry conditions will persist through Thursday. Afternoon cloud build-up is expected, but the thunderstorm threat for the fire area is minimal.
Closures, Restrictions, and Safety: Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect, and the burned area is closed to the public. Residents and visitors should not enter burned areas due to hazardous conditions. Motorists are urged to be aware of firefighters and equipment in transit along Highway 4. Gusting winds may cause hazard trees to fall near or on roadways. The 2017 Racing Southwest Jemez Cruise road rally will be held in Jemez Springs on Sunday. Expect heavy traffic on Sunday, when participants spend the day touring the Highway 4 corridor.
Fireworks are always prohibited within Santa Fe National Forest. Visitors are urged to follow campfire safety procedures to prevent wildfires and ensure public safety. Campfires are allowed only in established campground fire rings. 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. A segment of the Las Conchas Trail (#137) remains closed between the last bridge coming from the Las Conchas Trailhead (before the trail ascends) and the East Fork Trailhead. The Valles Caldera National Preserve is open. The Gilman Tunnels are 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.