Fire crews responded Friday to the Osha Canyon Fire in the northern Sandia Mountain Wilderness, where the blaze had grown to an estimated half-acre with no containment reported.
Officials with the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands reported the fire at 1:22 p.m. in the northern Sandia Mountain Wilderness, south of Placitas and west of Forest Service Road 165 on the Sandia Ranger District.
Authorities deployed aerial resources, including a Type 1 helicopter and a large air tanker, to help contain the fire. Ground crews planned to begin direct suppression efforts after they completed air operations.
The smoke may be visible around Placitas and Bernalillo. No one reported injuries or damage to the structure due to the fire. The cause of the blaze is yet to be known.
Firefighters are applying direct extinguishment strategies to combat the blaze, supported by aerial operations. “The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the priority,” officials said. The members also urged the public to avoid the Osha Canyon Fire Area.
Apart from that, officials also warned that drones pose a serious risk to firefighting efforts and can cause operations to stop, reminding the public, “If you can’t fly, we can’t.”
U.S. Forest Service Engine 652, Prevention 4, and several aircraft are now working the fire, with more crews on the way. Officials report the blaze is not threatening communities or other values at risk at this time. It is burning through mixed conifer fuels and showing active fire behavior, with potential for growth under westerly winds.
Authorities advised residents to remain vigilant and monitor any updates in the area.