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With no threat to lives, homes or infrastructure from the Comanche Fire, which was caused by lightning, Carson National Forest crews are currently moving forward with a confine and contain strategy. This response allows fire to play its natural role in a fire-dependent ecosystem, which is a desired condition outlined in the Carson National Forest’s 2022 Land Management Plan. 

“In frequent fire systems, like where the Comanche Fire is located, regular fire helps mitigate future high-severity disturbances from severe wildfires and insect outbreaks,” said District Ranger Angie Krall. “Our long-term vision for the forest is a future in which ignitions are primarily natural or planned instead of unplanned human-caused fires.” 

The Comanche Fire was first detected Thursday and is 14 acres, having grown three acres since Saturday evening. Activity is light, with fire creeping along the forest floor and consuming ground fuels. It is located on the El Rito Ranger District near the communities of El Rito, Abiquiu and Canjilon. 

Fire crews are currently on scene monitoring the fire and checking burned areas for beneficial ecological effects. Additionally, forest staff are beginning to order more resources and equipment and planning potential containment lines along the existing road network. 

The confine and containment strategy means using tactical actions to manage the fire within a predetermined area (confine) and then using points to stop the fire’s spread (contain). 

Smoke is currently minimal but visible from parts of Abiquiu, NM. An incident meteorologist and smoke monitors have been ordered. Staff are coordinating with the New Mexico Environment Department and will follow smoke management guidelines. Go to Smoke Management | New Mexico Fire Information for more about smoke and actions to take to protect your health. 

Keep updated about the Comanche Fire online at InciWeb and the Forest’s social media (Twitter, Facebook). Public information officers will soon deploy information in physical locations in nearby communities.