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Cienegita Fire

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Unit Information

Mescalero Agency 
New Mexico 
Mescalero, 
New Mexico 
88340 
Mescalero Agency 
New Mexico 
Mescalero, 
New Mexico 
88340 

Incident Contacts

  • Cienegita Fire Information
    Email:
    Cienegita@firenet.gov
    Phone:
    9862001941

Cienegita Fire Update - July 5, 2022

Cienegita Fire
Publication Type: News 06/05/2022

Cienegita Fire Update 
 June 5, 2022 

Quick Facts 
Cienegita Fire 

Size: 37 acres 
 Containment: 25% 
 Road Closures: None 
 Evacuations in “Go”: None 
 Resources on the Fires: 3 IHCs, 4 helicopters and Type 3 Team 
 Total Personnel: Approx. 100 
 Jurisdiction: BIA, Mescalero Apache Agency 
 Managed by: Pecos Incident Management Team 3 
IMT3 Incident Commander: J.W. McCoy 
 InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8132/ 


Ruidoso, NM - The Cienegita Fire was ignited by lightning on June 3 after multiple lightning strikes hit the area. The fire is located approximately four miles northwest of the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation and is 37 acres with 25% contained. Hand crews and aircraft have stopped forward progress of the fire; resources are constructing handlines to enforce this containment.     There are no mandatory evacuation notices in effect; however, Upper Canyon, Park Canyon and Brady Canyon, within the Village of Ruidoso, is in a state of readiness to evacuate, if necessary. Upper Canyon, Cedar Creek and Alpine Village, within Lincoln County, are also in a state of readiness.    The fire is burning ponderosa pine, mixed conifer and timber litter in an area that is difficult and hazardous to access. This presents significant safety concerns for firefighters working to contain the fire. Hand crews and aircraft are working to stop the fire’s growth.    Evacuation Notices in “Ready”: If conditions allow, all notices will be lifted the evening of June 5. 
  • Village of Ruidoso Communities: Upper Canyon, Park Canyon and Brady Canyon. Contact Ruidoso Fire Chief, Joe Kasuboski, 575-626-1036. 
  • Lincoln County communities: Upper Canyon, Cedar Creek and Alpine Village: Contact: Lincoln County Fire & Emergency Services Director Joseph Kenmore, 575-808-1381. 
Management Objective: To contain the fire’s perimeter within the smallest footprint possible while ensuring public and firefighter safety.    

Operational Update: The fire was active yesterday with some uphill runs. Multiple airtankers dropped retardant through thick timbered canopy to hold the fire in check while firefighters construct containment lines. The South Fork area does have some spot fires which firefighters are focusing efforts to contain. Forward progress of the fire was halted, and control lines were held overnight due to the hard work of hand crews. An additional hand crew will assist with reinforcing these containment lines.   

Resources on the Fire: Smokey Bear Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC), Idaho IHC, two Type 1 helicopters, one Type 2 helicopter, one Type 3 helicopter and Pecos Incident Management Team Type 3. Lone Peak IHC arrived today and is on the scene.   

Weather: In the high 80s with light gusts of wind. The weather is favorable for aircraft to operate over the fire to drop water and fire retardant.   

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always our priority. Please stay away from the fire area to allow fire personnel to perform their duties.    

Primary and Cooperating Agencies: Mescalero Tribal President and Staff, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mescalero Conservation Office, and other cooperating entities.   

A fire update will be released when significant activity occurs. Visit InciWeb for the most current fire information. 

Contact: Lessa Peter Phone: 986-200-1941
Email: lessa.peter@bia.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8132/
Facebook: @BIA.Mescalero.Forestry.Fire
Related Information:
Attachment Size
pict20220505-202754-0.pdf (338.42 KB) 338.42 KB
pict20220505-205134-0.pdf (2.98 MB) 2.98 MB
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