Single Publication

Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team
Luke McLarty, Incident Commander

Fire Information: 505-418-1038
2023.comanche@firenet.gov 
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ 

Upcoming Actions: All containment lines and features around the Comanche Fire focus area are nearing completion. Firing operations may be starting as early as Sunday. Fire managers are using multiple ignition techniques such as hand ignition by fire crews, helicopter operations for aerial firing and an uncrewed aerial system, popularly known as a drone, used to observe and record fire progression using cameras with infrared capabilities. Firing operations will help create a barrier to keep the Comanche Fire within containment lines while the fire burns interior fuels to reduce hazardous fuels and to reintroduce fire into its natural role in the ecosystem. 

Smoke: Once ignitions begin, there will be an increase of smoke in the area. Smoke may hang low to the ground at night and in the early mornings the next few days due to temperature inversion. This occurs when warm air caps the cooler air below, causing smoke to become trapped underneath, which will settle into the valley bottoms—most often at night and in the early morning. The trapped smoke generally begins to lift after the sun rises and heats the earth’s surface. The air heated by the earth’s surface will push the colder layer of smoke up into the higher atmosphere and the smoke mixes with the air above and is transported away.
Closure: Temporary partial road closures are in effect on Forest Roads 137 and 20. These closures are in effect during firing operations for safety of the public and fire crews.

Community Open House: Drop in between 4 and 6 p.m. on Sat., Jun. 17, at the El Rito Senior/Community Center at State Rd. 554, House #1115. Presentation at 4:30 p.m.

Fast Facts
Size: 27 acres
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Ponderosa pine and mixed conifer Values at risk: Cultural/historical sites.
Percent Completed: 1%
Resources: 2 hand crews, 2 wildland fire modules, 5 engines, 2 dozers, 2 water tender, 2 REMS teams, total personnel 147