Sierra Los Pinos

Santa Fe National Forest Monitors Cuerno Fire
for Point Protection, Multiple Objectives

SANTA FE, NM – Aug. 16, 2016 – For Immediate Release. Fire crews on the Santa Fe National Forest are managing the lightning-caused Cuerno Fire on the Coyote Ranger District under a combination of monitoring and confinement strategies while managers consider a plan to capitalize on the natural ignition to achieve multiple objectives on the landscape.

Preparation Work Continues on Virgin Fire

Jemez Springs, NM – Aug. 14, 2016 – For Immediate Release. Minimal fire activity was observed on the Virgin Fire in the last 24 hours due in part to higher humidity. The fire continues to slowly creep and smolder and is now 78 acres.

Fire crews completed preparing a significant amount of fire line yesterday in anticipation of firing operations that may begin Monday. Fire line work will continue today as crews wait for a drying trend which is forecasted to move in this afternoon.

Additional Fire Resources Ordered for Virgin Fire

SANTA FE, NM – Aug. 13, 2016 – For Immediate Release. Management of the Virgin Fire has transferred from the Jemez Ranger District to a Type 3 team under Incident Commander (IC) Randy Prewitt. Additional fire resources will arrive over the next few days.

JRD FMO, Terrance Gallegos called me tonight with information that the Virgin fire activity will greatly increase the next several days. Approval from the SFNF SO has been granted to manage up to 2100 acres. A lot of resources are en route to help the local district, one hurdle they're trying to overcome is getting a helicopter to assist with ignitions.

Attached is a quick summary report, with material, costs, pictures, etc. of our recent pipe replacement activities.

SLPPOA SYSTEM 1 PIPE REPLACEMENT (1st 1000 ft) REPORT - 8/3/2016

In approximately 6 days SLPPOA has replaced the first of several planned main line sections of water piping. The area targeted covers from the intersection of Hovenweep and Mesa Verde/Bonito Way to near the intersection of Aztec. Installation, pressure testing, sanitization, purging and flushing has been completed.

This Flash Flood Watch is based on a Point Forecast for the SLP area by the National Weather Service.

Flash Flood Watch August 10, 06:00am until August 11, 06:00am

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Santa Fe National Forest Prepares to Manage Virgin Fire for Multiple Objectives

SANTA FE, NM – Aug. 9, 2016 – For Immediate Release. Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest today hope to begin operations to expand the lightning-caused Virgin Fire on the Jemez Ranger District to achieve multiple objectives on the landscape.

From FS and Chief Lee Taylor:

The Virgin Fire is directly west of Jemez Springs and south of La Cueva on Virgin Mesa.

Depending on fire activity, smoke may be visible from US 550, SR 4 and SR 126.

Lee Taylor, Chief
La Cueva District
Sandoval County FD
575-829-3355 (Office)
575-829-9165 (Fax)
505-269-6435 (Cell)
LaCuevaFire@windstream.net
http://lacuevavfd.org

Flash Flood Watch!
This is based on a Point Forecast for SLP from the National Weather Service.

SANTA FE, NM – Aug. 1, 2016 – For Immediate Release. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast for this week in Northern New Mexico includes afternoon and evening thunderstorms with heavy rain. This past weekend saw nearly a thousand lightning strikes within Santa Fe National Forest boundaries. As welcome as the moisture is, the monsoon season carries risk.