Cajete Fire Update
June 23, 2017
Fire Information: 505.438.5300
Email: Cajetefireinfo@gmail.com
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: 120 personnel – 1 Type 1 Crew, 4 Type 2 crews, 2 engines, and 1 Type 3 helicopter
Current Situation: Under the leadership of Incident Commander Matt Armantrout, firefighters are mopping-up hot spots, gridding for residual heat, and addressing fire suppression repair needs.
A concentration of heavy fuels is smoldering along the fire’s southeast perimeter, though no further fire growth is anticipated. Hot and dry conditions persist, with a slight chance of rain in the fire area.
Closures, Restrictions, and Safety: Stage 1 fire restrictions are 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, as participants spend the day touring the Highway 4 corridor.
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 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, Redondo Campgrounds, and Las Conchas Trail Day Use Site. 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.
Smoke/Air Quality: The smoke or haze that many New Mexico residents are seeing in the sky today is not from the Cajete Fire or the Bonita Fire on the Carson National Forest. It is primarily from the Brian Head Fire in southwestern Utah which made a 17,000-acre run yesterday. The Brian Head Fire is now 27,744 acres and 5% contained, burning in heavy dry fuels. Smoke from this Utah fire may impact multiple states as wind and weather conditions transport it.
Fire Information: Updates will be posted on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5251/