On Wednesday, fire crews had another successful day on the Esquibel Prescribed Fire, treating 1,200 acres. They are back this morning to continue ignitions. 5 to 10 mph winds are expected today, according to the latest National Weather Service spot forecast. Fire managers are also using a portable remote automatic weather station, as well as two permanent stations nearby, to closely monitor conditions on site.

Yesterday, crew members, including the Forest Stewards Guild All Hands All Lands Burn Team, completed blacklining the entire prescribed fire unit. Blacklining is pre-burning fuels along the control line before interior areas are treated. To date, 1,976 acres have been treated.

Crew members today will focus ignitions within the interior of the 2,962-acre Esquibel Unit. Ignitions could last through Friday.

Residents and visitors in the area will likely observe smoke coming from the unit, as well as the Indios Fire on the Santa Fe National Forest. Check the Fire and Smoke Map for local air quality and use the Environmental Protection Agency’s smoke-ready toolbox for protective actions. A limited number of indoor air filter units, courtesy of the Forest Stewards Guild, are available on loan for nearby smoke-sensitive residents. Call the Tres Piedras Ranger Station at 575-758-8678 for availability.

Fire crews are targeting fuels on the forest floor, such as leaf litter, downed branches and brush. The fire may fully burn single trees or stands, which will help create an open canopy. They will use recently greened-up grassland areas within the unit as holding features, along with Forest Road 83 and two prescribed fires from 2015 and 2021.

Spring burning ecologically mimics historical fire behavior. Most fires would naturally have started during pre-monsoon seasons and burned through the summer until rains put them out. Spring burning helps give plant and tree species the best opportunity to bounce back after a disturbance. For grasses and shrubs, the fire kills the tops, but the roots are still intact because of wetter soil. The fire introduces ash, which has elements and natural chemicals that act like fertilizers. The first rainstorm of the monsoon season will mix with that fertilizer and prompt new growth.

Public information officers will continue to post updates on InciWeb, Carson National Forest social media channels (Facebook, X) and New Mexico Fire Information as operations continue.

Crews continue progress toward full suppression on the Simmons Fire burning northwest of Kearny in Pinal County. Today’s priority for crews is to work around the Gila River perimeter where the fire is most active, primarily focused along the east and southeast sides. Fire objectives include, protection to the town of Kearny, minimizing fire growth to natural resources, and providing mitigation to infrastructure including powerlines and the railroad. Structure protection groups concentrate their efforts to nearby homes. This morning an aerial mapping mission was conducted and verified the fire at 315 acres. The decrease in acreage is due to more accurate mapping. There is no containment at this time. 

Indios Fire open house tonight in Gallina

Daily Update – Thursday, May 30, 2024

Acres: 6,139                                                                                           

Start Date: May 19, 2024

Location: 7 miles north of the village of Coyote, NM                  

Personnel: 623

Completion: 25%                                                                     

Fuels: Timber

Highlights: The Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 4 will host an open house tonight, on Thursday, May 30, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the lecture hall at the Coronado High School, 1903 NM-96, Gallina, NM. The open house will provide an opportunity for the public to meet with fire managers and ask questions about the Indios Fire. Spanish language translations will be provided.

Operations: Cloud cover and high humidity moderated fire behavior and restricted fire movement to a short burn window late yesterday afternoon. Fire crews along the western side of the fire completed mastication and handline work on Forest Road 8 well ahead of schedule and began working on contingency planning further west. The east side of the fire along Forest Road 468 is holding well, freeing up some crews to assist in other areas. Around a private ranch southwest of the fire, crews constructed fireline using dozers to the west and built handline and laid hoses to the east. Swing shifts have been brought on to complement day crews, allowing fire management activities to continue late into the evening. Another 10,000-gallon water tank was placed, and aerial water support helped to aid ground activities. Overall, fire crews have been working expediently, accomplishing one week’s work in three days. Today, fire crews will continue this work as drier conditions move in. Structure protection crews will work along the southern edge of the confinement area to assess private property needs. External organizations, such as the Youth Conservation Corps, New Mexico Department of Transportation, and Coronado High School, are providing vital support to the incident management team.  

Weather: Thunderstorm activity in southern Colorado, along with dry air from the west, should result in cloud buildup today. Temperatures should be similar to yesterday, and winds will continue to move down the canyons throughout the day and become westerly in the afternoon; however, air should be drier today than yesterday.  

Smoke: Smoke from the Indios Fire is visible from surrounding communities. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Learn more about smoke impacts on the New Mexico Environment Department website at https://www.env.nm.gov/air-quality/fire-smoke-links/. View an interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/. 

Closures: The Santa Fe National Forest has issued an emergency area closure for the Indios Fire. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety and the safety of all personnel working on the fire. The full closure order (No. 03-12-05-23-22) and map are available on Inciweb. Camping and water will be available at the Coyote Ranger Station for Continental Divide Trail hikers impacted by this closure. 

Safety: A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. More information on the dangers drones pose to wildland firefighting aircraft and personnel on the ground can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/. 

More Information: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmsnf-indios-wildfire / 

575-323-2290 / x.com/SantafeNF / facebook.com/santafeNF / 2024.indios@firenet.gov 

Se esperan cambios de temperatura y vientos a lo largo del día sobre la zona del incendio   
Actualización del día: 30 de mayo de 2024

Número de teléfono de información sobre el incendio Blue 2: (575) 386-5077; horas: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 

Número de teléfono del medio: 575-386-5108; horas: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Correo electrónico: 2024.blue2@firenet.gov

Acres: 7,455                                                                             

Fecha de inicio: 16 de Mayo de 2024 

Ubicación: White Mountain Wilderness aproximadamente a 8 millas al norte de Ruidoso 

Personal total: 699                                                                   

Causa: Rayo

Combustibles: Arboles/ Hierba/Arbustos                                     

Contención: 0%

Recursos: 13 cuadrillas | 41 vehículos de bomberos | 8 helicópteros | 9 buldóceres | 11 licitaciones de agua

Puntos destacados: Ayer los bomberos utilizaron igniciones aéreas para llevar a cabo operaciones de quema en la zona de Runnels para mejorar la línea de fuego. Una cuadrilla interinstitucional de Hotshot y una cuadrilla de bomberos que hacían rápel desde un helicóptero trabajaron en el lado sureste del incendio para construir líneas de fuego que impidieran el avance del fuego en esta zona. A lo largo del día se utilizaron medios aéreos para mojar y refrescar los puntos calientes para extinción cerca del borde del incendio y reforzar las líneas de fuego creadas por los equipos de tierra.

Los bomberos siguen reevaluando y mejorando las medidas de protección de estructuras aplicadas anteriormente. Las cuadrillas están utilizando las características existentes cuando es posible, al crear líneas de control, tales como sistemas de senderos, caminos antiguos y formaciones rocosas. Se están utilizando herramientas manuales, bulldozers, masticadores y medios aéreos para crear líneas de control. Las cuadrillas están extinguiendo partes de la línea de fuego que han mantenido el calor durante los últimos días y asegurándose de que la zona esté fresca al tacto humano. Los retos medioambientales que plantea el trabajo en este incendio incluyen la inaccesibilidad a algunas zonas del borde del incendio, el terreno escarpado, las altas temperaturas y los cambios en la dirección del viento durante el día.

Actividad del fuego: El humo será visible durante el día debido a la quema activa dentro de la zona del incendio. 

Restricciones contra incendios: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lincoln/alerts-notices/?aid=87781

El tiempo: Vientos más fuertes con temperaturas secas y cálidas

Humo: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/430b2c05 

Cierre de bosques: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lincoln/alerts-notices

Cierre de carreteras:https://nmroads.com/https://nmroads.com/

Evacuaciones: (575) 336-8600 o por favor visite:https://www.lincolncountynm.gov/news_detail_T2_R25.php

Para las definiciones de estado Ready, Set, Go, por favor visite: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/

May 30 Blue 2 Fire Evacuation Map.jpg

Thu, 05/30/2024 - 14:09

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May 30 Blue 2 Fire Evacuation Map.jpg

Temperature and Wind Changes Throughout the Day Expected Over the Fire Area   

Daily Update: May 30, 2024

Fire Information Phone Number: 575-386-5077; open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Media Phone Number:  575-386-5108; open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Email: 2024.blue2@firenet.gov

Acres:  7,455                                                                                                    Start Date: May 16, 2024 

Location: White Mountain Wilderness approximately 8 miles North of Ruidoso  Cause: Lightning

Personnel: 699                                                                                                 Fuels: Timber/Grass/Brush

Containment: 0%                                                                                             

Resources: 13 crews | 41 engines | 8 helicopters | 9 bulldozers | 11 Water Tenders

Highlights: Yesterday firefighters used aerial ignitions to conduct burnout operations in the Runnels area to improve fireline. A hotshot crew and crew of firefighters who rappelled from a helicopter worked the southeastern side of the fire to build handline to prevent advancement of fire in this area. Aerial resources were used all day to cool down hotspots near the fire’s edge and strengthen firelines created by ground crews.   

Firefighters continue to reassess and improve structure protection efforts previously put in place. Crews are using existing features when possible, when creating handlines, such as trail systems, old roads, and rock formations. Hand tools, bulldozers, masticators, and aerial resources are being used to create control lines. Crews are extinguishing parts of the fireline that have been holding heat over the past few days and ensuring the area is cool to the human touch. Environmental challenges of working on this fire include inaccessibility to some areas of the fire’s edge, steep terrain, hot temperatures, and changing wind directions during the day. 

Weather: Stronger winds with dry and hot temperatures.  

Fire Restrictions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lincoln/alerts-notices/?aid=87781 

Smoke: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/430b2c05

Forest Closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lincoln/alerts-notices 

Road Closures: https://nmroads.com/ 

Evacuations: (575) 336-8600 or please visit: https://www.lincolncountynm.gov/news_detail_T2_R25.php

For Ready, Set, Go Status definitions, please visit: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/

May 30 Blue 2 Fire Evacuation Map.jpg

Thu, 05/30/2024 - 14:09

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May 30 Blue 2 Fire Evacuation Map.jpg

The smoke outlook for the Blue 2 Fire is now available at Airfire.gov: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/es/430b2c05

Fire

Yesterday's push of moisture from the east stuck around for good part of the day and fire activity was moderated by it. Today, we are back to very dry air and southwest winds. We could see an uptick in activity and a bit more smoke, primarily from smoldering fuels and creeping within the fire perimeter. For more detailed fire information see: Blue 2 Fire on Inciweb. As always, stay alert to changing conditions.

Smoke

Fire activity was moderate yesterday, and much of the smoke that had been lingering around areas closest to the fire was cleared out. Areas that had been experiencing periods of heavy smoke, such as Bonito and Capitan, can expect GOOD air quality for most of the day. There is the potential for periods of light smoke this evening and overnight, but overall conditions should be much improved. Carrizozo will continue to enjoy GOOD air quality, but could also experience brief periods of light smoke in the evening. No smoke is expected for Ruidoso and Roswell. But remember: if you see smoke and you smell smoke, you are breathing smoke, so take care of yourself!

Lincoln National Forest

Forest Service News Release

Media Contact:

575-270-2726, amanda.fry@usda.gov www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln

Lincoln National Forest enters ‘very high’ fire danger rating, implements Stage 2 Restrictions

Fire danger rating and restrictions will apply to all three districts of the Forest

ALAMOGORDO, N.M., May 30, 2024 — Lincoln National Forest officials have increased the fire danger rating to ‘very high’, and will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Thursday, May 30 at 8 a.m. due to increased fire danger across the forest. The fire danger rating and restrictions will apply to all three districts.

Under a “very high” fire danger rating, fires can start easily from most causes. The fire may spread rapidly and have a quick increase in intensity immediately after ignition. Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme behavior, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirls. These fires can be difficult to control and will often become much larger and longer-lasting fires.

The Stage 2 restrictions are enforceable by law, and will remain in effect until Forest Service officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts when visiting the Lincoln:

AT ALL TIMES:

1. Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes anywhere within Lincoln National Forest, including Developed Recreation Sites. This prohibition also includes smudge pots and wood stoves.

2. Smoking outside (see Exemptions #4 below).

3. Blasting, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

FROM 9 AM to 6 PM:

1. Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering capable of igniting a fire. (See Exemptions #3 below)

EXEMPTIONS DURING STAGE 2:

1. Residents using motorized vehicles on the Forest Roads listed under motorized restriction to the extent necessary to access their private property.

2. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.

3. Using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.

4. Smoking within an enclosed vehicle or building, a Developed Recreation Site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.

5. Persons operating generators with an approved spark arresting device in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.

6. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty.

Violation of fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.

For more information regarding the fire restrictions closure order, and an accompanying map, see Alerts & Closures.

The public can obtain current state and federal fire restrictions information across New Mexico on the New Mexico Fire Information website’s fire restrictions page.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Order Number: # 03-08-24-0001 

Lincoln National Forest officials have increased the fire danger rating to ‘very high’, and will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Thursday, May 30 at 8 a.m. due to increased fire danger across the forest. The fire danger rating and restrictions will apply to all three districts.

Under a “very high” fire danger rating, fires can start easily from most causes. The fire may spread rapidly and have a quick increase in intensity immediately after ignition. Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme behavior, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirls. These fires can be difficult to control and will often become much larger and longer-lasting fires.

The Stage 2 restrictions are enforceable by law, and will remain in effect until Forest Service officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts when visiting the Lincoln:

AT ALL TIMES:

1. Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes anywhere within Lincoln National Forest, including Developed Recreation Sites. This prohibition also includes smudge pots and wood stoves.
2. Smoking outside (see Exemptions #4 below).
3. Blasting, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

FROM  9 AM to 6 PM:

1. Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering capable of igniting a fire. (See Exemptions #3 below)

EXEMPTIONS DURING STAGE 2:

1. Residents using motorized vehicles on the Forest Roads listed under motorized restriction to the extent necessary to access their private property.
2. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
3. Using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.
4. Smoking within an enclosed vehicle or building, a Developed Recreation Site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.
5. Persons operating generators with an approved spark arresting device in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.
6. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty.

Violation of fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.

For more information regarding the fire restrictions closure order, shooting restrictions and an accompanying map, see the closure on this page.

The public can obtain current state and federal fire restrictions information across New Mexico on the New Mexico Fire Information website’s fire restrictions page.