Incident Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7246 

New Mexico Fire Information: nmfireinfo.com

Public Information Line: 575-377-4263

Incident Email: 2020.Luna@firenet.gov

Incident information

Start Date: October 17, 2020       Acreage: 10,142         Injuries: 0      Location:  2 miles North of Chacon          Percent Contained: 27 %        Structures Threatened: 0       
Cause: Under Investigation         Full Containment: 11/10/2020        Structures Destroyed:  0

Resources

Hand Crews: 3      Dozers: 3        Air Tankers:  Available as needed       Engines: 4       Helicopters: 3

Total Personnel: 265

 

Current Situation: Yesterday, a cold front moved through the area bringing strong winds, rain and snow. Firefighters worked to hold and strengthen containment lines from Quemado Canyon to Lujan Canyon and to contain spot fires (slop-overs) in Bull Canyon and West of Luna Canyon. The west flank of the fire from Quemado Canyon to Rito Quien Sabe saw no movement yesterday.  In the afternoon, rain, snow and sleet began falling over the fire area. For the safety of firefighting resources, all personnel were pulled back to Base Camp at Mora High School.

 

Today, winter storm conditions with 3-6 inches of snow are forecasted for the fire area. Snow will blanket the fire area and burning vegetation will continue to smolder, the fire is not expected to grow in size. Fire managers will be assessing conditions to determine if it is safe to send firefighters to the line today. Their health and safety are our top priority.

 

How close is the fire to my community? The Luna Fire is burning 2 miles from Chacon, 15 miles from Mora, 5 miles from Guadalupita, 4.5 miles from Sierra Bonita, 3.5 miles from Black Lake, 9.5 miles from Angel Fire and 7 miles from Valle Escondido.

 

Road Closures: FS Road 76 at Highway 518.  County Road B-001 (Luna Canyon Road), open to residents only.

County Roads B-001 & B003 are open to Property Owners Only:  As of Saturday October 24, 2020, County Roads B-001 (Luna Canyon Road) and B-003 at Highway 121 (Chacon) is open to citizens who reside or own property off those roads. Citizens will need to provide proper documentation (physical address, property taxes, etc.) showing they have permission to access the area. Law Enforcement officials will continue to be stationed at the junction of County Roads B-001 & B-003 conducting verifications. 

 

Weather: Today, snow, heavy at times with accumulations ranging from 2-4 inches. Temperatures will be very cold, ranging from 19-25 degrees, wind chill values as low as -5 degrees.

 

Evacuations: A Voluntary Evacuation Notice has been issued for the Luna Canyon area. 

 

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been implemented on the Carson National Forest to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires. For more information on fire restrictions visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices.

 

Fire Closures: The Carson National Forest issued a temporary closure (Forest Order 02-484) prohibiting the public from entering the area around the Luna Fire, including all National Forest System Lands, roads and trails affected by the fire. This closure includes access for hunting. For more information on the fire closure visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices.  A Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire remains in place.

 

Smoke Outlook: Light smoke production may occur in hot spots along the north and northeast edge of the fire but smoke from the Luna fire is not expected to impact surrounding communities today or tomorrow.  Individuals who are sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at https://nmtracking.org/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html.

 

Safety Message: Rain, snow and sleet will make driving conditions unsafe today. If you have to drive, please slow down and be aware changing conditions.

 

Ready, Set, Go!: Wildfires can burn at any time, as we have seen with the Luna Fire,  requiring firefighters and residents to be on heightened alert to respond to these emergencies. The Ready, Set, Go! Program works in collaboration with New Mexico’s Living with Fire and other existing community wildland fire education efforts to help residents prepare for a wildfire emergency.  For more information on wildfire prevention and how you can prepare for wildfires, visit www.wildlandfirersg.org or the New Mexico Fire Information website at https://nmfireinfo.com/.

 

Cooperating Agencies: Picuris Pueblo, Taos Pueblo, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Sandia Pueblo, Sierra Bonita Rincon Fire Department, State of New Mexico County Fire Administrator, Angel Fire Department, Colfax County Fire, Colfax County Emergency Operations Manager, Taos County Fire, Village of Chacon, Kit Carson Electric Co-Op, Mora County Sheriff, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Livestock Inspector, Colfax County Sheriff, Taos County Sheriff, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Angel Fire Police, New Mexico Department of Transportation, Tri-State Electric, Mora San Miguel Electric Co-Op.

Sitio Web del Incidente: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7246

Información de incendios de Nuevo México: nmfireinfo.com

Línea de información para el público: 575-377-4263

Correo electrónico del incidente: 2020.Luna@firenet.gov 
 

Datos del Incidente

Fecha de inicio: 17 de octubre de 2020      Superficie: 10,136 acres      Heridas: 0        Localización: 2 millas al norte de Chacón       Porcentaje de contención: 5%      Estructuras amenazadas: 400
Causa: Bajo investigación       Contención completa: 11/10/2020     Estructuras Destruidas: 0 
 

Recursos

Equipos de bomberos: 3       Buldóceres: 6        Camiones cisterna: 1       Camiones de bombero: 10        Helicópteros: 3        Aviones cisterna: Disponible según sea necesario
Personal total: 290

Situación actual: Ayer, una Advertencia de Bandera Roja trajo vientos fuertes, racheados y erráticos sobre el área del incendio y el potencial de comportamiento de fuego extremo. Los vientos eran predominantemente del oeste, sin embargo, debido a la interacción del vientos y alineación del terreno, produjo un viento del norte a lo largo de las crestas más altas. Este cambio de viento provocó que el fuego ardiera en las áreas ya quemadas, minimizando la propagación de incendios hacia el norte. Los vientos causaron algunos puntos de fuego en el cañón Bull, Cuchillo de Fernando y al oeste del cañón Luna en el perímetro sur del incendio.

Hoy es un día de transición con un frente frío que recorre la zona trayendo fuertes vientos esta mañana, y lluvia y nieve esta tarde y noche. Los bomberos seguirán trabajando durante el día, sosteniendo y fortaleciendo líneas de contención desde el cañón Quemado hasta Luján para proteger los valores en riesgo (viviendas y propiedad privada). Prioridad por hoy será, contener puntos de fuego en los cañones Bull y Luna. Los buldóceres seguirán construyendo líneas de contención indirectas (lejos del borde del fuego) en los flancos sur y oeste.

¿Qué tan cerca está el fuego de mi comunidad? El Incendio Luna está ardiendo a 2 millas de Chacón, a 15 millas de Mora, a 5 millas de Guadalupita, a 4.5 millas de Sierra Bonita, a 3.5 millas de Black Lake, a 9.5 millas de Angel Fire y a 7 millas de Valle Escondido. 

Cierres de carreteras: FS Road 76 en la carretera 518. County Road B-001 (Luna Canyon Road), abierto solo para residentes.

Se reabrirá County Road B-001 solo para propietarios: a partir del sábado 24 de octubre de 2020, County Road B-001 (Luna Canyon Road) junto a la Carretera 121 (Chacón) se reabrirá a los ciudadanos que residan o posean propiedades en ese camino. Los ciudadanos deberán proporcionar la documentación adecuada (dirección física, impuestos a la propiedad, etc.) que demuestre que tienen permiso para acceder al área. Los cuerpos policiales seguirán apostados en County Road B-001 para realizar estas verificaciones.

Clima: Esta mañana traerá fuertes vientos del oeste y nubes crecientes mientras que el frente frío ingrese al área. Por la tarde, comenzará a caer una lluvia ligera que se convertirá en nieve esta noche. Los vientos serán de oeste a suroeste 16-20 mph con ráfagas de hasta 40 km /h, humedad relativa de 25-30% y temperaturas de 45 a 55 grados.

Evacuaciones: Se emitió un Aviso de Evacuación Voluntaria para el área del cañón Luna.

Restricciones de fuego: El bosque está muy seco; las condiciones son similares a las que podría ver en junio, no a finales de octubre. Debido a esto, se han implementado restricciones de fuego de la etapa 1 en el Bosque Nacional Carson para reducir el riesgo de incendios forestales causado por la acción humana. Para obtener más información sobre las restricciones contra incendios, visite www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices.

Cierres de incendios: El Bosque Nacional Carson ha emitido un cierre temporal (Orden Forestal 02-484) que prohíbe al público ingresar al área alrededor del Incendio Luna, incluidas todas las tierras, caminos y senderos del Sistema de Bosques Nacionales afectados por el incendio. Este cierre incluye acceso para la caza. Para obtener más información sobre el cierre del incendio, visite www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices. Se mantiene vigente una restricción temporal de vuelo sobre el incendio.

Pronóstico de humo: las condiciones climáticas y de combustibles, temprano en el día, pueden llevar a una producción moderada de humo a lo largo del borde noreste del fuego. Las condiciones climáticas cambiantes más tarde en el día pueden provocar humo ligero con muy pocos impactos en las comunidades cercanas al incendio, incluidas Chacón, Mora y Guadalupita. Comunidades al este podría ver humo, con pequeños impactos temprano en el día. Se puede ver humo ligero en Angel Fire y Taos y otras comunidades al norte / noreste. Es poco probable que el humo del Incendio Luna impacte a Santa Fe. Las personas sensibles al humo de los incendios forestales deben tomar precauciones y utilizar el Departamento de Salud 5-3-1 Método de visibilidad para determinar si es seguro estar al aire libre. Obtenga más información en https://nmtracking.org/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html.

Mensaje de seguridad: Esté atento a las condiciones cambiantes hoy, ya que la lluvia se convierte en aguanieve y luego en nieve esta noche. Si usted está conduciendo en la zona, reduzca la velocidad y esté atento al aumento del tráfico de incendios en las carreteras locales.

¡Preparado, Listo, Ya!: Los incendios forestales pueden iniciar en cualquier momento, como hemos visto con el Incendio Luna, lo que requiere que los bomberos y los residentes estén en alerta máxima para responder a estas emergencias. El programa de ¡Preparado, Listo, Ya! trabaja en colaboración con Living with Fire de Nuevo México y otros esfuerzos comunitarios de educación sobre incendios forestales para ayudar a los residentes a prepararse para una emergencia de incendio forestal. Para obtener más información sobre la prevención de incendios forestales y cómo prepararse para ellos, visite www.wildlandfirersg.org.

Agencias Cooperantes: Picuris Pueblo Tribe, Taos Pueblo Tribe, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Sandia Pueblo Tribe, Sierra Bonita Rincon Fire Department, State of New Mexico County Fire Administrator, Angel Fire Department, Colfax County Fire, Colfax County Emergency Operations Manager, Taos County EMS, Taos County Fire, Taos Canyon, Rio Fernando District, Village of Chacon, Kit Carson Electric Co-op, Mora County Sheriff, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Livestock Inspector, Colfax County Sheriff, Taos County Sheriff, New Mexico Game and Fish, Angel Fire Police, Mora San Miguel Electric Co-op, New Mexico Dept of Transportation, Tri-State Electric, Black Lake Community, Black Lake Ranch, Luna Canyon Cattle Company, Black Lake Cattle Association, Luna/Chacon Cattle Association.

Incident Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7246 

New Mexico Fire Information: nmfireinfo.com

Public Information Line: 575-377-4263

Incident Email: 2020.Luna@firenet.gov

Incident information

Start Date: October 17, 2020       Acreage: 10,136         Injuries: 0        Location:  2 miles North of Chacon        Percent Contained: 5 %         Structures Threatened: 400        Cause: Under Investigation        Full Containment: 11/10/2020

Structures Destroyed:  0  

 

Resources

Hand Crews: 3      Dozers: 6       Water Tenders: 1        Engines: 10        Helicopters: 3         Air Tankers:  Available as needed  

Total Personnel: 290  

 

Current Situation: Yesterday, a Red Flag Warning brought strong, gusty and erratic winds over the fire area and the potential for extreme fire behavior. Winds were predominantly from the West, however due to the interaction of the winds and alignment of the terrain, it produced a northerly wind along the higher ridges.  This wind shift caused the fire to push back into areas already burned, minimizing the fires spread to the North. The winds did cause a few spot fires in Bull Canyon, Cuchillo de Fernando and West of Luna Canyon on the southern perimeter of the fire. 

 

Today is a transition day with a cold front moving through the area bringing strong winds this morning; rain and snow this afternoon and evening. Firefighters will continue working throughout the day holding and strengthening containment lines from Quemado Canyon to Lujan to protect the values at risk (homes and private property).  Priority for today will be containing spot fires in Bull Canyon and West of Luna Canyon.  Dozers will continue building indirect (away from the fires edge) containment lines on the south and west flanks.

 

How close is the fire to my community? The Luna Fire is burning 2 miles from Chacon, 15 miles from Mora, 5 miles from Guadalupita, 4.5 miles from Sierra Bonita, 3.5 miles from Black Lake, 9.5 miles from Angel Fire and 7 miles from Valle Escondido.

 

Road Closures: FS Road 76 at Highway 518.  County Road B-001 (Luna Canyon Road), open to residents only.

 

County Road B-001 Re-opened to Property Owners Only:  As of Saturday October 24, 2020, County Road B-001 (Luna Canyon Road) off of Highway 121 (Chacon) will be open to citizens who reside or own property off of Luna Road. Citizens will need to provide proper documentation (physical address, property taxes, etc.) showing they have permission to access the area. Law Enforcement officials will continue to be stationed on County Road B-001 conducting verifications. 

 

Weather: This morning will bring strong westerly winds and increasing clouds as the cold front moves into the area.  By afternoon, light rain will begin to fall turning to snow by this evening. Winds will be west to southwest 16-20 mph with gusts to 25mph, relative humidity 25-30 % and temperatures 45-55 degrees.

 

Evacuations: A Voluntary Evacuation Notice has been issued for the Luna Canyon area. 

 

Fire Restrictions: The Forest is very dry; conditions are similar to what you might see in June not in late October.  Because of this, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been implemented on the Carson National Forest to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.  For more information on fire restrictions visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices.

 

Fire Closures: The Carson National Forest has issued a temporary closure (Forest Order 02-484) prohibiting the public from entering the area around the Luna Fire, including all National Forest System Lands, roads and trails affected by the fire. This closure includes access for hunting.  For more information on the fire closure visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices.  A Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire remains in place.

 

Smoke Outlook: Weather and fuel conditions early in the day may lead to moderate smoke production along the northeast edge of the fire. Changing weather conditions later in the day may lead to light smoke and little to no smoke impacts to communities near the fire including Chacon, Mora, and Guadalupita. Communities further to the east could see visible smoke with little impacts early in the day. Light smoke may be visible in Angel Fire and Taos and other communities to the north/northeast.  It is unlikely that smoke from the Luna fire will impact Santa Fe. Individuals who are sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at https://nmtracking.org/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html.

 

Safety Message: Watch for changing conditions today as rain turns to sleet and then snow by this evening.  If you are driving in the area, please slow down and be aware of increased fire traffic on local roads.

 

Ready, Set, Go!: Wildfires can burn at any time, as we have seen with the Luna Fire,  requiring firefighters and residents to be on heightened alert to respond to these emergencies. The Ready, Set, Go! Program works in collaboration with New Mexico’s Living with Fire and other existing community wildland fire education efforts to help residents prepare for a wildfire emergency.  For more information on wildfire prevention and how you can prepare for wildfires, visit www.wildlandfirersg.org or the New Mexico Fire Information website at https://nmfireinfo.com/.

 

Cooperating Agencies: Picuris Pueblo, Taos Pueblo, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Sandia Pueblo, Sierra Bonita Rincon Fire Department, State of New Mexico County Fire Administrator, Angel Fire Department, Colfax County Fire, Colfax County Emergency Operations Manager, Taos County Fire, Village of Chacon, Kit Carson Electric Co-Op, Mora County Sheriff, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Livestock Inspector, Colfax County Sheriff, Taos County Sheriff, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Angel Fire Police, New Mexico Department of Transportation, Tri-State Electric, Mora San Miguel Electric Co-Op.

 

Special Statement

Winter Storm Watch today and Winter Weather Storm Warning for tomorrow.

Fire

The fire has consumed approximately 10,136 acres to date and is 5% contained. Today's west and southwest winds with wind gusts to 35 mph will be lower than yesterday and with continuous dry fuels, the fire will continue to burn in the northeast edge near Bull Canyon.

Smoke

A strong weather system will begin to impact the fire around Noon today with light precipitation turning to rain and snow mixed by 5 pm. Weather and fuel conditions early in the day may lead to moderate smoke production along the northeast edge of the fire. Changing weather conditions later in the day may lead to light smoke and little to no smoke impacts to communities near the fire including Chacon, Mora, and Guadalupita. Communities further to the east could see visible smoke with little impacts early in the day. Light smoke may be visible in Angel Fire and Taos and other communities to the north/northeast later in the day into tomorrow morning as winds shift to the southwest. It is unlikely that smoke from the Luna fire will impact Santa Fe today.

Health and Safety

Air quality and smoke impacts change throughout the day. Stay aware of changing conditions and remember, if you see and smell smoke, you're breathing smoke. Take precautions, especially if you are sensitive.

Sitio Web del Incidente: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7246

Información de incendios de Nuevo México: nmfireinfo.com

Línea de información para el público: 575-377-4263

Correo electrónico del incidente: 2020.Luna@firenet.gov

Datos del Incidente

Fecha de inicio: 17 de octubre de 2020Superficie: 8,898 acres * (la superficie se modificó según un vuelo de mapas infrarrojos)Heridas: 0Localización: 2 millas al norte de ChacónPorcentaje de contención: 0Estructuras amenazadas: 4,350Causa: Bajo investigaciónContención completa: 11/10/2020Estructuras Destruidas:  0

Recursos

Equipos de bomberos: 6Buldóceres: 7Camiones cisterna: 2Camiones de bomberos: 9Helicópteros: 4Aviones cisterna:  Disponible según sea necesario  

 

Personal total: 274

 

Situación actual: El jueves 22 de octubre, el equipo 5 de gestión de incidentes de California asumió el mando del incendio. El Equipo 5 está agradecido por todo el apoyo que está recibiendo del personal local de bomberos y de policía y las comunidades circundantes.

Ayer, se pronosticó que fuertes vientos impactarían el Incendio Luna mientras un frente frío se movería a través del área. Afortunadamente, los vientos no fueron tan fuertes como se predijo y afectaron principalmente el perímetro norte del incendio en las montañas Rincón. Las prioridades para hoy seguirán siendo la protección de estructuras en los cañones Luna, Luján y Bull. Los bomberos han construido cortafuegos en los cañones de Luján y Luna y comenzarán a limpiar y patrullar, buscando puntos calientes adicionales. Los bomberos también continuarán construyendo cortafuegos en los flancos este y oeste del incendio utilizando buldóceres, helicópteros y camiones cisterna. Se espera que la actividad de fuego aumente en los cañones Bull y Frijoles a medida que los vientos regresen en dirección suroeste.

Clima: Hoy, los vientos vendrán del suroeste de 12 a 15 mph con ráfagas de 18 mph, humedad relativa de 19 a 23% y temperaturas de 58 a 63 grados.

Evacuaciones: Se emitió un Aviso de Evacuación Voluntaria para el área del cañón Luna.

Restricciones de fuego: Las restricciones de fuego de la etapa 1 se implementarán a partir de hoy a las 8:00 a.m. en el Bosque Nacional Carson para reducir el riesgo de incendios forestales causados ​​por la acción humana. Para obtener más información sobre las restricciones contra incendios, visite www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices.

Cierres de incendios: El Bosque Nacional Carson ha emitido un cierre temporal (Orden Forestal 02-484) que prohíbe al público ingresar al área alrededor del Incendio Luna, incluidas todas las tierras, caminos y senderos del Sistema de Bosques Nacionales afectados por el incendio. Este cierre incluye acceso para la caza. Para obtener más información sobre el cierre del incendio, visite www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices. Se mantiene vigente una restricción temporal de vuelo sobre el incendio.

Pronóstico de humo: Las condiciones climáticas y de los combustibles de hoy conducirán a una producción de humo denso a lo largo del borde norte del incendio, particularmente en la tarde. Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Cimarron, Springer y otras comunidades al este y noreste del incendio podrían experimentar períodos de humo moderado. Mora y Guadalupita pueden experimentar humo denso temprano en la mañana debido a la acumulación de agua durante la noche, pero deberían estar despejados al mediodía. Es poco probable que el humo del Incendio Luna impactará a Taos o Santa Fe hoy.

Mensaje de seguridad: debido al aumento de tráfico por el incendio, reduzca la velocidad y observe su velocidad en las carreteras alrededor del área de incendio Luna.

¡Preparado, Listo, Ya!: Los incendios forestales pueden iniciar en cualquier momento, como hemos visto con el Incendio Luna, lo que requiere que los bomberos y los residentes estén en alerta máxima para responder a estas emergencias. El programa de ¡Preparado, Listo, Ya! trabaja en colaboración con Living with Fire de Nuevo México y otros esfuerzos comunitarios de educación sobre incendios forestales para ayudar a los residentes a prepararse para una emergencia de incendio forestal. Para obtener más información sobre la prevención de incendios forestales y cómo prepararse para ellos, visite www.wildlandfirersg.org.

Agencias Cooperantes: Picuris Pueblo Tribe, Taos Pueblo Tribe, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Sandia Pueblo Tribe, Sierra Bonita Rincon Fire Department, State of New Mexico County Fire Administrator, Angel Fire Department, Colfax County Fire, Colfax County Emergency Operations Manager, Taos County EMS, Taos County Fire, Taos Canyon, Rio Fernando District, Village of Chacon, Kit Carson Electric Co-op, Mora County Sheriff, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Livestock Inspector, Colfax County Sheriff, Taos County Sheriff, New Mexico Game and Fish, Angel Fire Police, Mora San Miguel Electric Co-op, New Mexico Dept. of Transportation, Tri-State Electric, Black Lake Community, Black Lake Ranch, Luna Canyon Cattle Company, Black Lake Cattle Association, Luna/Chacon Cattle Association.

Incident Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7246 
New Mexico Fire Information: nmfireinfo.com
Public Information Line: 575-377-4263
Incident Email: 2020.Luna@firenet.gov  

 

Incident information

Start Date: October 17, 2020      Acreage: 10,136     Injuries: 0      Location:  2 miles North of Chacon      Percent Contained: 0       Structures Threatened: 4,350       Cause: Under Investigation      Full Containment: 11/10/2020

Structures Destroyed:  0 

 

Resources

Hand Crews: 6       Dozers: 9      Water Tenders: 2       Engines: 11       Helicopters: 3       Air Tankers:  Available as needed

Total Personnel: 327   

 

Current Situation: 

Yesterday, suppression efforts were focused on strengthening containment lines and extinguishing hot spots from Quemado Canyon to Lujan Canyon. In the afternoon, west winds increased fire activity in Bull and Frijoles Canyons producing a lot of smoke which could be seen from Black Lake and Angel Fire.  Air tankers and helicopters were used in Bull Canyon and the Rincon Peak area to slow the spread of the fire and to keep it from moving toward the structures in Bull Canyon.  The fire increased 1,238 acres, mainly on the northern perimeter.

 

Today, a Red Flag Warning has been issued for strong, gusty, erratic winds over the fire area which will cause increased fire activity, especially on the northern perimeter where it is burning in a continuous stand of mixed conifers.  Firefighters will continue holding and strengthening containment lines from Quemado Canyon to Lujan Canyon and building direct (at the fires edge) and indirect line (away from the fires edge) along the east and west flanks of the fire.  Due to limited access on the northern perimeter, fire personnel are scouting areas to build and construct containment lines.

 

How close is the fire to my community? The Fire is burning 2 miles from Chacon, 15 miles from Mora, 5 miles from Guadalupita, 4.5 miles from Sierra Bonita, 3.5 miles from Black Lake and 9.5 miles from Angel Fire.

 

Virtual Public Meeting:  Tonight, October 24, 2020, the Luna Fire Incident Command team will host a Virtual Public Meeting at 7:00 PM to provide a Luna Fire overview and to allow the public to ask questions about the fire. The meeting will be live streamed on the Carson National Forest Facebook @CarsonNF.  If you have a question and would like to have it answered during the virtual public meeting, please submit it as a comment of the Facebook page. 

 

County Road B-001 Re-opening to Property Owners Only:  As of Saturday October 24, 2020, County Road B-001 (Luna Canyon Road) off of Highway 121 (Chacon) will be reopened to citizens who reside or own property off of the road. Citizens will need to provide proper documentation (physical address, property taxes, etc.) showing they have permission to access the area. Law Enforcement officials will continue to be stationed on County Road B-001 conducting these verifications. 

 

Weather: A Red Flag Warning has been issued for today for strong winds over the fire area.  In the afternoon, ridge tops winds will be 25-30 MPH with gusts to 40 MPH.  Relative humidity will be 17-20% and temperatures will range from 54-60 degrees.

 

Evacuations: A Voluntary Evacuation Notice has been issued for the Luna Canyon area. 

 

Fire Restrictions: The Forest is very dry; conditions are similar to what you might see in June not late October.  Because of this, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been implemented on the Carson National Forest to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.  For more information on fire restrictions visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices.

 

Fire Closures: The Carson National Forest has issued a temporary closure (Forest Order 02-484) prohibiting the public from entering the area around the Luna Fire, including all National Forest System Lands, roads and trails affected by the fire. This closure includes access for hunting.  For more information on the fire closure visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices.  A Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire remains in place.

 

Smoke Outlook: Today’s weather and fuel conditions will lead to heavy smoke production along the north edge of the fire particularly in the afternoon.  Communities to the east and northeast of the fire including Angle Fire, Ocate, Cimarron and Springer could experience periods of moderate smoke from early afternoon to late evening.  Mora and Guadaluptia may experience early morning heavy smoke but should be clear in the afternoon.  

 

Safety Message: Due to additional fire traffic, please slow down and watch your speed on roads around the Luna Fire Area. 

 

Ready, Set, Go!: Wildfires can burn at any time, as we have seen with the Luna Fire,  requiring firefighters and residents to be on heightened alert to respond to these emergencies. The Ready, Set, Go! Program works in collaboration with New Mexico’s Living with Fire and other existing community wildland fire education efforts to help residents prepare for a wildfire emergency.  For more information on wildfire prevention and how you can prepare for wildfires, visit www.wildlandfirersg.org.

 

Cooperating Agencies: Picuris Pueblo, Taos Pueblo, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Sandia Pueblo, Sierra Bonita Rincon Fire Department, State of New Mexico County Fire Administrator, Angel Fire Department, Colfax County Fire, Colfax County Emergency Operations Manager, Taos County EMS, Taos County Fire, Taos, Village of Chacon, Kit Carson Electric Co-op, Mora County Sheriff, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Livestock Inspector, Colfax County Sheriff, Taos County Sheriff, New Mexico Game and Fish, Angel Fire Police, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Dept of Transportation, Mora San Miguel Electric Co-op, and Tri-State Electric.

Special Statement

Red Flag Warning Today due to high winds and low humidity. Use caution while driving in the early morning hours along roads 121, 518, and 434 in canyon areas between Chacon, Mora, and Guadalupita as visibility may be decreased due to smoke.

Fire

The fire has consumed approximately 9,900 acres to date. Today's high west winds with gusts up to 40 mph combined with dry fuels and low humidities will increase fire activity along the north-northeast edge near Bull Canyon.

Smoke

Winds will increase steadily throughout the day with strong and erratic gusts possible at all elevations. Strong winds will continue through the evening hours and into the early morning hours on Sunday when a strong weather system will begin to move through the region bringing rain and snow. Today's weather and fuel conditions will lead to heavy smoke production along the north edge of the fire particularly in the afternoon. Communities to the east and northeast of the fire including Angel Fire, Ocate, Cimarron, and Springer could experience periods of moderate smoke from early afternoon to late evening. Mora and Guadalupita may experience early morning heavy smoke due to overnight pooling but should be clear by noon. It is unlikely that smoke from the Luna fire will impact Taos or Santa Fe today.

Health and Safety

Air quality and smoke impacts change throughout the day. Stay aware of changing conditions and remember, if you see and smell smoke, you're breathing smoke. Take precautions as described below, especially if you are sensitive.

Today's weather and fuel conditions will lead to heavy smoke production along the north edge of the fire particularly in the afternoon. Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Cimarron, Springer and other communities east and northeast of the fire could experience periods of moderate smoke. Mora and Guadalupita may experience early morning heavy smoke due to overnight pooling but should be clear by noon. It is unlikely that smoke from the Luna fire will impact Taos or Santa Fe today.

Incident Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7246

New Mexico Fire Information: nmfireinfo.com

Public Information Line: 575-377-4263

Incident Email: 2020.Luna@firenet.gov

Incident information               

Start Date: October 17, 2020      Acreage: 8,898 * (acreage changed based on  infrared mapping flight)       Location:  2 miles North of Chacon       Percent Contained: 0       Structures Threatened: 4,350      Cause: Under Investigation     Full Containment: 11/10/2020

Structures Destroyed:  0       Injuries: 0

Resources

Hand Crews: 6     Dozers: 7       Water Tenders: 2       Engines: 9      Helicopters: 4      Air Tankers:  Available as needed

Total Personnel: 274
 

Current Situation: On Thursday, October 22, California Incident Management Team 5 assumed command of the fire. Team 5 is grateful for all of the support it is receiving from local fire and law enforcement personnel and the surrounding communities.  

 

Yesterday, strong winds were forecasted to impact the Luna Fire as a cold front moved through the area.  Fortunately, the winds were not as strong as predicted and mainly affected the northern perimeter of the fire in the Rincon Mountains.  Priorities for today continue to be structure protection in Luna, Lujan and Bull Canyons.  Firefighters have constructed fire containment lines in Lujan and Luna Canyons and will begin mop up and patrol, looking for additional hotspots.  Firefighters will also continue building containment lines on the east and west flanks of the fire using dozers, helicopters and airtankers.  Fire activity is expected to increase in Bull and Frijoles Canyons as winds return to a southwesterly direction.

 

Weather: Today, winds will be out of the southwest 12-15 mph with gusts to 18 mph, relative humidity at 19-23% and temperatures 58-63 degrees.

 

Evacuations: A Voluntary Evacuation Notice has been issued for the Luna Canyon area. 

 

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will be implemented starting today at 8:00 AM on the Carson National Forest to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.  For more information on fire restrictions visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices.

 

Fire Closures: The Carson National Forest has issued a temporary closure (Forest Order 02-484) prohibiting the public from entering the area around the Luna Fire, including all National Forest System Lands, roads and trails affected by the fire. This closure includes access for hunting.  For more information on the fire closure visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices.  A Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire remains in place.

 

Smoke Outlook: Today's weather and fuel conditions will lead to heavy smoke production along the north edge of the fire particularly in the afternoon. Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Cimarron, Springer and other communities east and northeast of the fire could experience periods of moderate smoke. Mora and Guadalupita may experience early morning heavy smoke due to overnight pooling but should be clear by noon. It is unlikely that smoke

from the Luna fire will impact Taos or Santa Fe today.

 

Safety Message: Due to additional fire traffic, please slow down and watch your speed on roads around the Luna Fire Area. 

 

Ready, Set, Go!: Wildfires can burn at any time, as we have seen with the Luna Fire,  requiring firefighters and residents to be on heightened alert to respond to these emergencies. The Ready, Set, Go! Program works in collaboration with New Mexico’s Living with Fire and other existing community wildland fire education efforts to help residents prepare for a wildfire emergency.  For more information on wildfire prevention and how you can prepare for wildfires, visit www.wildlandfirersg.org.

 

Cooperating Agencies: Picuris Pueblo Tribe, Taos Pueblo Tribe, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Sandia Pueblo Tribe, Sierra Bonita Rincon Fire Department, State of New Mexico County Fire Administrator, Angel Fire Department, Colfax County Fire, Colfax County Emergency Operations Manager, Taos County EMS, Taos County Fire, Taos Canyon, Rio Fernando District, Village of Chacon, Kit Carson Electric Co-op, Mora County Sheriff, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Livestock Inspector, Colfax County Sheriff, Taos County Sheriff, New Mexico Game and Fish, Angel Fire Police, Mora San Miguel Electric Co-op, New Mexico Dept. of Transportation, Tri-State Electric, Black Lake Community, Black Lake Ranch, Luna Canyon Cattle Company, Black Lake Cattle Association, Luna/Chacon Cattle Association.

TAOS, NM – 22 de octubre de 2020 – El Bosque Nacional Carson está implementando etapa 1 de restricciones de incendio a fin de reducir el riesgo de los incendios forestales ocasionados por el hombre bajo las condiciones constantes de sequía, niveles históricamente bajos de humedad del combustible y graves condiciones climáticas favorables a los incendios. La etapa 1 de restricciones entrará en vigencia para todo el bosque el viernes, 23 de octubre 2020, a las 8 a. m. El Bosque Nacional Santa Fe y los distritos de Mount Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair y Sandia Ranger en el Bosque Nacional Cibola también entrarán en la etapa 1 de las restricciones de incendios a partir de este viernes.

La etapa 1 de las restricciones de incendios también ayudará a que los recursos para la lucha contra los incendios concentren sus esfuerzos en el Incendio de Luna que comenzó el 17 de octubre cerca de Chacon, NM.

Bajo la etapa 1 de restricciones, los incendios, las fogatas, el uso de parrillas de carbón y las brasas y estufas de leña están permitidas solo en áreas desarrolladas para pícnic y para acampar donde se proveen parrillas y fogones construidos por la agencia para su uso. Los sitios para acampar están prohibidos en lugares libres.

Las estufas, linternas y calentadores de propano u otro combustible de petróleo licuado pueden utilizarse si cumplen con las especificaciones del fabricante y tienen dispositivos de encendido/apagado. Los dispositivos de propano requieren de un área de 3 pies de diámetro que esté despejada de materiales inflamables.

Fumar se permite solo en vehículos o edificios cerrados, en sitios de recreación o mientras está detenido en un área árida de al menos 3 pies de diámetro que no contenga materiales inflamables. Los fuegos artificiales y dispositivos pirotécnicos siempre están prohibidos en los bosques nacionales.

Si bien el Bosque Nacional Carson recibe aún visitantes, los indicios de incendios están aumentando lo que históricamente no es habitual para esta época del año. La temporada de incendios de este año además agregó el nivel de complejidad del COVID-19. La etapa 1 de las restricciones es una manera proactiva de reducir el riesgo real de los incendios forestales ocasionados por el hombre, proteger los recursos naturales y culturales y mejorar la seguridad del público y de los bomberos.

Están exentos de cumplir la orden de cierre los funcionarios locales, estatales y federales, los miembros de equipos de rescate organizados o los bomberos y cualquier otra persona autorizada con un permiso.

Se solicita a los visitantes de los bosques que utilicen extrema precaución cuando rigen restricciones de incendios. El incumplimiento es un delito menor de clase B, sujeto a multas de no más de $5,000 en el caso de individuos y $10,000 en el caso de organizaciones, encarcelamiento por no más de seis meses. Las restricciones de incendios rigen hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2020, a menos que se rescindan antes.

La orden que impone las restricciones de incendios para este viernes se publicarán bajo Alertas y noticias en el sitio web del Bosque Nacional Carson Fe. Manténgase informado acerca de los cierres y de las novedades al verificar el sitio web del Bosque Nacional Carson y síganos en Facebook y Twitter.