A new wildfire broke out yesterday morning in Sandoval County and is currently burning 150 acres.
The fire is located at McCauley Spring Area where there is no containment yet but fire crews are working hard to suppress the fire.
According to New Mexico Fire Information, smoke may be visible in Albuquerque, Jemez Springs and other surrounding communities. The fire is so big that it has prompted evacuation in different places.
Areas under GO evacuation status are Jemez Falls Campground, Sierra Los Pinos Area, Bennet Lane, Redondo Campground, YMCA Camp Shaver. Meanwhile, the Areas in READY evacuation status is Los Alamos County.
With this, various evacuation centers are available at Jemez Springs Senior Center at 8154 New Mexico Highway 4 in Jemez Pueblo, La Cueva Mountain Baptist Church at 6 Riverview Court in La Cueva.
Aside from that, power outages are on going to all communities in east of Thompson Ridge.
Road closures are also happening at Highway 4 from Mile Marker 27 to Mile Marker 40; Jemez Falls Campground, Battleship Rock Campground, and Trail #137.
Who Responded The Scene?
The responders are Santa Fe Interagency Hotshot Crew alsong with two other Hotshot crews. The commander also ordered two Type 1 helicopters and an Air Tactical Group Supervisor (Air Attack).
Meanwhile, the Northern New Mexico Type 3 team which is currently assigned to Rio Fire, will soon command this fire.
Jemez Pueblo Governor Worries Over Cultural Sites
Jemez Pueblo Governor John Galvan said the situation is troubling because of the region’s drought condition, wildfire history, and the threat to culturally significant areas.
Since the fire is burning near Battleship Rock in the Jemez Ranger District, an area known for attracting tourists and outdoor visitors.
The uncertainty of wildfire’s behavior raises concern for places like the historic Village of Gisewa, also known as the Jemez National Historic Landmark which holds cultural importance.
Community members in Jemez Pueblo are watching closely, Galvan said, after seeing the smoke plumes and remembering the damage caused by past fires like Las Conchas, Thompson Ridge, and Cerro Pelado.
“They saw the smoke plume coming out, so they’re very aware,” Galvan said. “Everyone’s wondering where’s the fire at, where is it going, and they’ve seen the impacts before.”
Update As Of June 25
The fire has grew bigger and reached 327 acres. The cause remains unknown as well as its containment.
As of now, the Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team has joined the team Wednesday evening. Incident Commander Luke McLarty assumed command of the fire the same evening.
Evacuation are still ongoing and closures are still happening.
Update As Of June 26
The fire is still not under control and the affected area reached to 708 acres. The cause still remain undetermined as of now.
Today, Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 3 took charge of the fire at 6:00 a.m. after a smooth transfer of information from the Northern New Mexico Type 3 IMT.
Update As Of June 27
The fire has grew into 722 acres and until now, there is still no containment.
Firefighters have been using direct extinguishment tactics, engaging in active flame front directly on the fire’s edge to stop spread. On top of that, resources also used indirect confinement strategy on aspects of the fire perimeter that posed significant safety challenges, working away from the fire’s edge to steer and contain the fire.
Apart from these actions, structure assessment has been completed on the southeast perimeter of the fire around the community of Sierra de los Pinos. Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHCs) utilized direct tactics to put in handline where Division Alpha and Division Delta meet.
Along Highway 4, firefighters utilized indirect tactics to conduct strategic burnout operations between the control line and the advancing fire to remove unburned fuels.
Meanwhile, a community meeting has been scheduled for June 28 at 6:00 p.m. The location is yet to be determined.
Update As Of June 28
The fire has been contained at 25 percent. A red flag warning is in effect until 8:00 p.m. and will work closely to hold the fire’s edge.
Meanwhile, Highway 4 remains closed between mile marker 27 and 40. The Santa Fe National Forest has also ordered a temporary closure order for the area of the McCauley Springs Fire.
Aside from that, Jemez falls campground, Redondo Campground, and Trail #137 remains closed.
Update As Of June 30
The fire remains smoldering and creeping through dry fuels however, the containment is at 43 percent. Meanwhile, suppression efforts by firefighters have kept the fire within the previous footprint, allowing resources to begin looking forward at next steps.
The successful operations of containment has allowed the northern part of the fire near Highway 4 while Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) help firefighters locate and extinguish hot spots throughout the fire footprint.
They will also help in repairing and restoration of the fire area with the McCauley Springs Fire remaining within its footprint.
Other Wildfire Incident Over The Last Few Days
As days passed more and more wildfires are happening across different parts of the state.
Deer Canyon Fire had there fire under control as of NM Fire Information’s latest update. Meanwhile, Clines Corner Fire is also happening as of the moment. A fire in Sandia Mountains also happened this month.
With all these wildfire happening, it is best to remain calm and watch news update to stay informed.
