Monday, June 8, 2020, 10:00 P.M. MT

 

Fire Information Line: (575) 313-4678 (575)654-4502

Visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com

Additional Fire Information available: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6737/

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

TADPOLE FIRE

 

Location:  12 miles north of Silver City

Start Date: June 6, 2020                                   

Cause:  Lightning

Vegetation:  Timber with grass understory, brush, and Chaparral

Resources:  2 Interagency Hotshot crews, two 20-person hand crews, 6 engines

 

 

SUMMARY:  The Tadpole Fire was ignited by lightning and reported on June 6. The Tadpole Fire is located on the SW portion of Tadpole Ridge, on National Forest System lands, Gila National Forest, and is approximately 750 acres.  The fire is burning in timber with grass understory, brush and chaparral.  

 

Today, fire crews prepped the west side of NM Hwy 15 and along Forest System Road 282/Sheep Corral Road. A spot fire occurred on the east side of Hwy 15 north of the Meadow Creek Road and has been suppressed. There are currently 150 fire personnel working this fire.

 

Multiple days of Red Flag fire conditions increased fire behavior this afternoon, causing the fire to make short runs up canyons that lay in alignment with the southwest winds.  Due to the distance and smoke laying down at night, fires can emit a glow that can be see long distances and distorts the fire to appear bigger than its actual size.

 

WEATHER: The extended weather forecast over the Tadpole Fire area calls for a continued warming and drying trend, along with breezy and gusty afternoon and evening winds continuing through the weekend.  A cold front is expected over the area bring lower dew points and relative humidity. Smoke is visible from Silver City and surrounding areas, as well as the Gila Valley and Mimbres Valley.  Campers and residents in the area can expect drifting smoke and haze settling into low areas overnight. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health website at: https://nmtracking.org/fire. 

 

SAFETY:  The Gila National Forest is currently under a campfire ban, including the use of charcoal. Use of pressurized fuel devices are acceptable.   

A Temporary Flight Restriction has been placed over the Tadpole fire area, restricting the use of drones. Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of aircraft over the fire. Any intrusions of the restriction will require all aircraft to be grounded until the area is cleared.                                           

###GLCTeam###

   

Monday, June 8, 2020 10:00 A.M. MST

 

Fire Information Line: (575) 313-4678 (575)654-4502

Visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com

Additional Fire Information available: www.inciweb.nwcg.gov

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

TADPOLE FIRE

 

 

SUMMARY:  The Tadpole Fire was ignited by lightning and reported on June 6. The Tadpole Fire is located on the SW portion of Tadpole Ridge, on National Forest System lands, Gila National Forest, and is approximately 600 acres.  The fire is burning in timber with grass understory, brush and chaparral.  

 

Today, fire crews will be prepping the west side of NM Hwy 15 and along Forest System Road 228/Sheep Corral Rd.  The fire was moving slowly towards the northeast, burning on the surface with occasional torching.  The fire is expected to move to the north side of Tadpole Ridge over the course of the day. There are currently 90 fire personnel working this fire.

 

Fire behavior and effects are being assessed to ensure incident objectives are being met.  These objectives include protecting private lands, increasing firefighter and public safety, and protecting cultural resources and wildlife habitat.

 

WEATHER: The extended weather forecast over the Tadpole Fire area calls for a continued warming and drying trend, along with breezy and gusty afternoon and evening winds continuing through the weekend.  Smoke is visible from Silver City and surrounding areas, as well as the Gila Valley and Mimbres Valley.  Campers can expect drifting smoke and haze. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health website at: https://nmtracking.org/fire.

 

SAFETY:  The Gila National Forest is currently under a campfire ban, including the use of charcoal. Use of pressurized fuel devices are acceptable.   

A Temporary Flight Restriction has been placed over the Tadpole fire area, restricting the use of drones. Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of aircraft over the fire. Any intrusions of the restriction will require all aircraft to be grounded until the area is cleared.                                           

###GLCTeam###

Location:  south of Tadpole Ridge, Silver City Ranger District, Grant County, NM

Start Date: June 6, 2020        Size:  ~450 acres                   Cause:  Lightning

Vegetation:  Pinyon Juniper, Ponderosa Pine

Resources:   One (1) FS Engine, four hand crews travelling to the incident including two Hot Shot Crews. Gila/Las Cruces Type 3 IMT will take over the incident at 6 p.m. today.

Incident Commander:  Leo Trujillo, ICT4

 

Summary:  The Tadpole Fire Is burning on National Forest System lands on the Silver City Ranger District, Gila National Forest.  The strategy for this fire is full suppression, using a confine and contain strategy. There is a high potential for spread. Objectives include protecting and minimizing the impact of fire on high values at risk which includes; wildland firefighter and public safety, and infrastructure associated with private land.  This fire is in rugged and remote terrain. The Silver City Ranger District has placed road closure signs on Bear Creek Road down towards Ben Lilley Pond, and off NM Hwy 15 at FR 382/Sheep Corral Road. Two trailheads (TH) are in the vicinity and should be avoided. They are TH 232/Tadpole Ridge and TH 234 Sycamore.  NM State Patrol will be manning road closures on NM Hwy 15 from Ben Lilley Memorial to the junction of NM Hwy 35/NM 15. The alternate route to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is via NM Hwy 35 and through the Mimbres Valley.

Smoke from fire rises up and away during the daytime, but in the evenings, smoke can pool back down in canyons, drainages, and basins.  Overnight smoke has settled in the Mimbres Valley. For information on air quality and protecting your health, and to find guidance on distances and visibility, please visit https://nmtracking.org/fire. Fire information can be found at nmfireinfo.com.

 

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/gila or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

Wilson Crossing Fire Update
June 8, 2020 10:00 a.m.

Bureau of Land Management
Front Range Fire and Aviation Management Unit 
John Markalunas, Incident Commander

As Crews Gain Containment, Wilson Crossing Transitions to Smaller Team
Current Situation: The Wilson Crossing Fire did not grow on Sunday despite a Red Flag Warning calling for low humidity, high temperatures, and high winds. Crews increased containment to 60% of the fire’s perimeter. The acreage increased to 144 acres due to better mapping of burned area inside the canyon that was not previously accounted for. 

On Sunday, single-engine air tankers (SEATs) supported ground crews through retardant drops in the morning while crews worked to construct and improve containment line. Crews worked along the canyon rim and in the canyon to mop up remaining pockets of heat. The Type 3 helicopter provided bucket drops as needed. Fire activity was light throughout the day. 

Sunny skies, warmer temperatures, and gusty winds are again expected on Monday ahead of a cooling trend that is forecasted to start on Tuesday. Crews will continue constructing containment line and reinforcing existing lines. No structures are threatened. The fire may be visible from the I-25 corridor and from nearby towns during periods of increased fire activity.

As containment on the fire has increased, the operation will be downsizing today a Type 4 organization led by Incident Commander Ryan Ham of the Black Hills National Forest. Resources will continue to be released from the fire and made available for other assignments. The smaller organization will consist of one Type 2 Initial Attack hand crew, two engines, a water tender, and support staff. 

The Type 3 BLM team is thankful to the community and partner organizations for the support over the duration of the fire. “We want to thank the Huerfano County and Forest Service resources that were first on scene to the Wilson Crossing Fire,” said outgoing Bureau of Land Management Incident Commander John Markalunas. “Their quick response and decisive actions on Friday set us up for success over the past few days.” 

Additionally, today’s update will be the last issued for the Wilson Crossing Fire. Brief updates will be posted to the Inciweb page and to the @BLMColoradoFire Facebook account as information becomes available. 

Weather: Sunny skies are expected over the fire today with temperatures up to 88 degrees. Minimum humidity will range from 3-8%. Winds are expected out of the southwest from 13-17 mph through the day with afternoon gusts up to 35 mph. A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. due to low humidity and high winds. 

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for BLM-managed lands in Huerfano County. Huerfano County also has Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in place. For details on these restrictions, please visit https://go.usa.gov/xvhGj for information on BLM fire restrictions and https://huerfano.us for Huerfano County’s restrictions. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: The temporary flight restriction over the Wilson Crossing Fire has been lifted. If fire behavior necessitates the use of aircraft in the coming days, that TFR may be put back into effect. 

Wilson Crossing Fire Statistics: 
Size:  Approximately 144 acres 
Containment:  60% 
Total Personnel: 70 
Cause: Lightning 
Start Date:  June 5, 2020 
Location: 17 miles southeast of Colorado City 

Contact Information: 
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6735/ 
Facebook: facebook.com/BLMColoradoFire 
Fire Information Office: (719) 315-0690 

Wilson Crossing Fire Update 
June 7, 2020, 10:00 a.m.  

Bureau of Land Management Front Range Fire and Aviation Management Unit 
John Markalunas, Incident Commander 

Fire Information: (719) 315-0690 
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Containment Grows on Wilson Crossing Fire 
Current Situation: Despite the sustained gusty winds and afternoon thunderstorms on Saturday, crews were successful in constructing containment line around approximately 40% of the Wilson Crossing Fire’s perimeter. The fire did not make any significant runs on Saturday despite the windy conditions. More accurate mapping raised the acreage of the fire to approximately 133 acres. 

Single-engine air tankers (SEATs) supported ground crews through retardant drops in the morning. The Type 3 helicopter provided bucket drops of water through the day as needed. Huerfano County and USFS San Carlos Ranger District resources were released at the end of shift Saturday to be available for other duties and assignments. 

Sunny skies, warmer temperatures, and gusty winds are expected on Sunday. Crews will continue constructing containment line and reinforcing lines that were put in place on Saturday. SEATs and the Type 3 helicopter will again be available for air support throughout the day. Crews will continue protecting the power line that runs north and east of the fire’s location. No structures are threatened at this time. 

The fire will be visible from the I-25 corridor and from nearby towns during periods of increased fire activity. 

Weather: Sunny skies are expected over the fire today with temperatures up to 90 degrees. Minimum humidity will range from 5-10%. Winds are expected out of the southwest from 18-22 mph through the day with afternoon gusts up to 35 mph. A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. due to low humidity, high temperatures, and high winds. 

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for BLM-managed lands in Huerfano County. Huerfano County also has Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in place. For details on these restrictions, please visit https://go.usa.gov/xvhGj for information on BLM fire restrictions and https://huerfano.us for Huerfano County’s restrictions. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Wilson Crossing Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. More information, please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

Wilson Crossing Fire Statistics:
Size: Approximately 133 acres 
Containment: 40% 
Total Personnel: 71 
Cause: Lightning 
Start Date:  June 5, 2020 
Location: 17 miles southeast of Colorado City 

Contact Information: 
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6735/ 
Facebook: facebook.com/BLMColoradoFire 
Fire Information Office: (719) 315-0690 

Wilson Crossing Fire Update 
June 6, 2020 11:00 a.m. 

Bureau of Land Management 
Front Range Fire and Aviation Management Unit 
John Markalunas, Incident Commander 

Fire Information: (719) 315-0690 
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Crews Respond to Wilson Crossing Fire in Huerfano County 

Current Situation: The Wilson Crossing Fire is burning in pinyon/juniper and grass in eastern Huerfano County on Bureau of Land Management-managed lands approximately one mile south of the Pueblo County line. County and Federal engine crews were assisted by a Type 3 helicopter, single-engine air tankers (SEATs), and a large air tanker through the afternoon and evening. Multiple retardant drops through the day and increased cloud cover in the afternoon checked the fire’s spread into the evening. 
 
Two crews – one hotshot crew and one Type 2 Initial Attack crew - will be joining the efforts on the Wilson Crossing Fire today. The Type 3 helicopter remains assigned to the incident and will continue aerial support with water bucket drops through the day, as needed. Four SEATs will continue to support suppression efforts. Crews are working to protect a power line north and east of the fire. No structures are threatened at this time. 

A public information phone line has been established for current information on the Wilson Crossing Fire. An Inciweb page has also been established. That site, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6735/, will be updated as information becomes available. 

The fire will be visible from the I-25 corridor and from nearby towns during periods of increased fire activity. 

Weather: Partly sunny skies are expected through the morning with numerous showers and thunderstorms after noon. Temperatures are forecast to be in the upper 80s to low 90s in the area of the fire. Humidity is forecast to be in the mid-to-upper teens through the day. Winds are expected to increase through the day with lightning, hail, and gusty winds possible with any storms that develop this afternoon. 

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for BLM-managed lands in Huerfano County. Huerfano County also has Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in place. For details on these restrictions, please visit https://go.usa.gov/xvhGj for information on BLM fire restrictions and https://huerfano.us for Huerfano County’s restrictions. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Wilson Crossing Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. More info, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

Wilson Crossing Fire Statistics:
Size:  Approximately 117 acres 
Containment:  0% 
Total Personnel: 35 
Cause: Under Investigation  
Start Date:  June 5, 2020
Location: 17 miles southeast of Colorado City 

Contact Information: 
 InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6735/ 
Facebook: facebook.com/BLMColoradoFire 
Fire Information Office: (719) 315-0690 

Current Fire Situation: The Hopkins Fire, is burning within and just north of the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness on both the Shasta-Trinity and Mendocino National Forests. An advisory has been issued to the public to please avoid the fire area.  The fire is being managed as part of the August Complex. More information and maps can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/.

Firefighters will patrol the Spring Fire located near Deerlick Springs until it is declared controlled and out. Information for the Spring Fire can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7035/.

 

The Salmon Fire, which is burning in the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area, is being managed as part of the Red Salmon Complex. For more information, please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891.

The US Forest Service is in unified command with CAL FIRE on the Elkhorn Fire. This fire is part of Butte/Tehama/Glenn Complex and information for the complex is available at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/8/19/buttetehamaglenn-lightning-complex-tehamaglenn-zone/.  The Elkhorn Fire is burning in the Tomhead Mountain area west of Red Bluff.  Information is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7071/

 

Area Closures: Order No. 14-20-06 is in effect for the area of the Spring Fire until it is declared out. Order No. 14-20-07 is in effect for the area of the Elkhorn Fire until it is declared out. Please note that Highway 36 remains open to travelers. Order No. 14-20-05 is effective until September 30, 2020 for the Red Salmon Complex area. Fire closure orders and maps are posted online at: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stnf/forestorders.

 

Fire Restrictions: As a reminder, fire restrictions are in place on the Shasta-Trinity NF. We recommend that you bookmark this webpage as restrictions can change: https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stnf/forestorders

Smoke Advisories: Smoke from fires in Northern California continues to affect the area. For more information about the air quality in your area, please visit https://fire.airnow.gov/, https://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/, or the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD) at http://www.ncuaqmd.org.

Fire Information: Shasta-Trinity NF Lightning fires information is available at 530-628-0039 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or online at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6733/.

Spring Fire:

• Date Reported: August 17, 2020
• Acres Burned: 230 acres
• Percent Contained: 100%
• Cause: Lightning
• Location: south of Deerlick Springs Campground

Resources:

• Engines: 7
• Total Personnel: 32

Current Fire Situation: The Spring Fire remains at 230 acres and is now 100% contained. Firefighters remain on the fire monitoring the firelines. Unburned fuel remains within the perimeter, so some burning is expected to continue.

The Hopkins Fire, burning in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness on the Mendocino National Forest, has crossed the boundary onto the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. A strategic management plan for protecting values affected by this fire is currently being developed and resources are engaging the fire as it spreads out of the wilderness. The fire is being managed as part of the August Complex. More information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/.

The Salmon Fire, which is burning in the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area, is being managed as part of the Red Salmon Complex. For more information, please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891.

The US Forest Service is in unified command with CAL FIRE on the Elkhorn Fire. Part of Butte/Tehama/Glenn Complex, information for the complex is available at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/8/19/buttetehamaglennlightning-complex-tehamaglenn-zone/.
The Elkhorn Fire is burning in the Tomhead Mountain area west of Red Bluff. Information is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7071/

Area Closures: Order No. 14-20-06 is in effect for the area of the Spring Fire until it is declared out. Order No. 14-20-07 is in effect for the area of the Elkhorn Fire until it is declared out. Please note that Highway 36 remains open to travelers. Order No. 14-20-05 is effective until September 30, 2020 for the Red Salmon Complex area. Fire closure orders and maps are posted online at: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stnf/forestorders.

Fire Restrictions: As a reminder, fire restrictions are in place on the Shasta-Trinity NF. We recommend that you bookmark this webpage as restrictions can change: https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stnf/forestorders

Smoke Advisories: Smoke from fires in Northern California continues to affect the area. For more information about the air quality in your area, please visit https://fire.airnow.gov/, https://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/, or the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD) at http://www.ncuaqmd.org.

Fire Information: Shasta-Trinity NF Lightning fires information is available at 530-628-0039 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or online at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6733/.

To download a .pdf version of this News Release, click here.

 

South Fork Management Unit

Spring Fire

Date Reported: August 17, 2020

Acres Burned: 230 acres Percent Contained: 90%

Cause: Lightning

Location: south of Deerlick Springs Campground

Resources

Engines: 7

Total Personnel: 32

Current Fire Situation: The Spring Fire remains at 230 acres and is now 90% contained.  Firefighters continue to make good progress with extinguishing hot spots along the control lines. The main challenges remain the very rugged and steep terrain with dense fuel.

The Hopkins Fire, which is burning in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness on the Mendocino National Forest, has crossed the boundary onto the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It is being managed as part of the August Complex and information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/.

 

The Salmon Fire, which is burning in the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area, is being managed as part of the Red Salmon Complex. For more information, please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891.

The US Forest Service is in unified command with CAL FIRE on the Elkhorn Fire, which is burning in the Tomhead Mountain area west of Red Bluff. For more information on this fire, part of the BTU/TGU Lightning Complex, please visit: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/8/19/buttetehamaglenn-lightning-complex-tehamaglenn-zone/.

 

Area Closures: Order No. 14-20-06 is in effect for the area of the Spring Fire until it is declared out. Order No. 14-20-07 is in effect for the area of the Elkhorn Fire until it is declared out. Please note that Highway 36 remains open to travelers. Order No. 14-20-05 is effective until September 30, 2020 for the Red Salmon Complex area. Fire closure orders and maps are posted online at: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stnf/forestorders.

 

Fire Restrictions: As a reminder, fire restrictions are in place on the Shasta-Trinity NF. We recommend that you bookmark this webpage as restrictions can change: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stnf/forestorders.

Smoke Advisories: Smoke from fires in Northern California continues to affect the area. For more information about the air quality in your area, please visit https://fire.airnow.gov/, http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/, or the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD) at http://www.ncuaqmd.org.

Fire Information: Shasta-Trinity NF Lightning fires information is available at 530-628-0039 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or online at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6733/.

 

South Fork Management Unit

Spring Fire

Date Reported: August 17, 2020 Acres Burned: 230 acres Percent Contained: 60%

Cause: Lightning

Location: south of Deerlick Springs Campground

Resources

Engines: 10

Water Tenders: 2

Total Personnel Assigned: 60

Current Fire Situation: The Spring Fire remains at 230 acres and 60% containment.  Firefighters have made good progress with extinguishing hot spots along the control lines. The main challenges remain the very rugged and steep terrain with dense fuel.

 

The Salmon Fire, which is burning in the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area, is being managed as part of the Red Salmon Complex. For more information, please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891.

The US Forest Service is in unified command with CAL FIRE on the Elkhorn Fire, which is burning in the Tomhead Mountain area west of Red Bluff. For more information on this fire, part of the BTU/TGU Lightning Complex, please visit: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/8/19/buttetehamaglenn-lightning-complex-tehamaglenn-zone/.

 

Forest officials and firefighters closely monitor and respond to lightning fires.  After thunderstorms, aerial reconnaissance flights will be used to determine potential new starts, growth of existing fires and develop appropriate response activity. The reconnaissance flights are part of our normal operating plan after lightning storms.

Area Closures: Order No. 14-20-06 is in effect for the area of the Spring Fire until it is declared out. Order No. 14-20-07 is in effect for the area of the Elkhorn Fire until it is declared out. Please note that Highway 36 remains open to travelers. Order No. 14-20-05 is effective until September 30, 2020 for the Red Salmon Complex area. Fire closure orders and maps are posted online at: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stnf/forestorders.

 

Fire Restrictions: As a reminder, fire restrictions are in place on the Shasta-Trinity NF. We recommend that you bookmark this webpage as restrictions can change: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stnf/forestorders.

Smoke Advisories: Smoke from fires in Northern California continues to affect the area. For more information about the air quality in your area, please visit https://fire.airnow.gov/, http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/, or the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD) at http://www.ncuaqmd.org.

Fire Information: Shasta-Trinity NF Lightning fires information is available at 530-628-0039 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or online at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6733/.