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: Yesterday’s operations were successful as fire crews continued to create depth in the containment lines on the east perimeter of the Comanche Fire focus area. With information from a meteorologist and other specialists, fire managers are halting firing operations today due to Red Flag conditions and forecasted west winds. Crews will focus on holding the fire within the designated perimeter along the east line. The tactics implemented over the past week will help make this possible. Smoke may be visible from afar as the fire becomes more active in the interior.

The fire has been burning at low to moderate intensity, cleaning up the understory and leaving the tree canopies intact. The anticipated outcome will be a healthier forest ecosystem.

Management of the naturally ignited Comanche Fire, including additional firing operations, could last through next week. However, a specific timeframe will depend on weather and fuel conditions.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Canjilon, Abiquiu, El Rito and as far as Santa Fe and Taos. It may impact the communities of Abiquiu, El Rito, Medenales, Hernandez and the Española Valley. Temporary smoke monitors have been placed at the El Rito Ranger Station, Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu and in Hernandez, which was installed yesterday. Air quality data is available from the Fire and Smoke Map at fire.airnow.gov, where air quality data can be tracked.

Closure: Temporary partial road closures are in effect on Forest Roads 137 and 20 during firing operations for safety of the public and fire crews.

Fast Facts

Size:  1032 acres

Cause: Lightning

Fuels:  Ponderosa pine and mixed conifer
Values at risk: Cultural/historical sites.

Percent Completed: 1%

Resources:  3 hand crews, 2 wildland fire modules, 7 engines, 1 dozer, 2 water tender, 2 REMS teams, total personnel 186