To Report a fire on the Carson NF, call 758-6208
Fire Information (505) 758-6283, 6284, 6281
Two Type 1 crews, two engines and three helicopters will continue control and mop-up operations, directed by Ernesto Hurtado of the Questa Ranger District. A Type 1 crew will be staged on the forest for the summer as a precaution.
Bingaman and Richardson Will Visit the Fire Tomorrow
Senator Bingaman and Congressman Richardson will visit the fire tomorrow. Rchardson will tour Lama and meet with residents at 10:00 AM. Bingaman and Richardson will meet with leaders of local communities at 11:00 AM, and hold a joint press conference at noon.
Recreation
The vicinity of the fire remains closed. However, most of the Carson National Forest is still open to provide a wide range of recreation opportunities. People are encouraged to call any Carson NM office for more information. (See Closures below for details.)
Closures
The simple message that summarizes all the following restrictions is FIRE DANGER IS EXTREME. UTMOST CARE WITH ALL OUTDOOR FIRES IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL. A restriction common to all jurisdictions is that smoking is permitted only in enclosed vehicles and buildings:
The five National Forests in New Mexico have implemented fire restrictions. On all forests, smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles or in buildings, and open fires are prohibited. Individual forests have additional restrictions; call the forest for details.
The Governor has imposed a statewide fire closure for state and private land. Smoking is permitted only in vehicles and enclosed buildings. Call (505) 827-5830 for more information.
Taos County has implemented a temporary ban on "all open and containerized burning." This includes open burning of wood, brush, weeds, and trash on open ground; wood, coal or charcoal campfires, cookfires or bonfires; containerized burning of wood, trash, or garbage in barrels, fireplaces, stoves; and burning gas, wood or charcoal in barbeques. Call 758-8834 for more information.
The Bureau of Land Management has instituted a fire restriction on all BLM lands in northwestern New Mexico. Smoking is permitted only in enclosed vehicles or in buildings. Open flames are prohibited, including those in grills, firepans, etc. Stoves or other self-contained cooking, lighting, or heating devices must be fueled by pressurized liquid or gas fuels. For more information call 758-8851.
Carson Area Closure
Forest Supervisor Leonard Lucero has signed an order closing the Carson National Forest in the vicinity of the fire. No entry is permitted into the Columbine Wilderness Study Area and the Cebolla Mesa area. Camping is also prohibited in the Rio Hondo drainage. This order is expected to be in effect only during the duration of the fire. Call 586-0520 for details.
Be Careful with Grad Parties!
Rebecca Montoya, a staffer for Congressman Richardson, is speaking to graduating seniors about the need to be careful with fires at grad parties. Bonfires are a popular part of graduation celebrations, but she suggests that other kinds of celebrations are more appropriate in these extreme conditions.
Bill Russell, Acting Director of Fire and Aviation for the Southwestern Region, said in regard the extreme fire conditions, "Be careful out there so that we don't have to close the National Forests in New Mexico."
**MESSAGE FROM FOREST SUPERVISOR LEONARD LUCERO**
"It is critical that everyone in northern New Mexico understand what an extreme fire danger we face. On Wednesday, despite warnings broadcast on radio, TV and newspapers, someone lit a campfire in Hondo canyon. We simply can't protect the forest that is so important to all of us, without your cooperation.
All of the major fires in the southwest this spring have been caused by people, not lightning. This is the earliest fire season I can recall. The weather is unseasonably warm and afternoon wind gusts are strong. I cannot stress enough how important it is for all of us to be careful.
This is why I've had to impose the fire restrictions that you've heard about. I appreciate you understanding.
I also want to take this opportunity to tell you about the health of the potential wildfire threat to you Carson National Forest. In may places on the forest, we have many, many trees growing closely together. When fire is a regular visitor, as happens naturally, it cleans up the forest and fertilizes the forest floor, while leaving most of the larger trees unharmed. That's why we have a prescribed fire program. Under the right conditions we can use fire as a tool.
We can also keep the forest healthy and still provide you with the products you need. When people thin the forest, they mimic the affects of small low-intensity fires. Be carefully and selectively cutting trees for firewood, vigas and lumber, we can improve out forest's health.
I appreciate the opportunity to convey these thoughts. We, as professional land managers, have your interests at heart. My interest, as yours, is a healthy and green Carson National Forest."
Seventeen crews are being demobilized today, and overhead personnel are also being demobilized. Loving says that the night shift has been "pared down to a minimum." Although firefighting efforts are winding down, he says, "we're not pulling out yet. We've got a lot of things to do." Work is underway to rehabilitate firelines and other impacts of fire suppression activity.
BINGAMAN AND RICHARDSON WILL VISIT THE FIRE TOMORROW
Senator Bingaman and Congressman Richardson will visit the fire
tomorrow. Richardson will tour Lama and meet with the residents at 10:00
AM. Bingaman and Richardson will meet with leaders of local communities
at 11:00 AM, and hold a joint press conference at noon.
WEATHER
Partly cloudy, breezy and cooler tomorrow. Slightly higher humidity in
the afternoon with scattered cloud build-up. Isolated high-based
thunderstorms possible north of the fire area. Winds may be gusty and
shifting.
ROAD CLOSURES
SR 38 between Questa and Red River is now open. The only road closures
remaining are some forest access roads. (See CLOSURES below for
information on the temporary area closure on the Carson NF.)
RECREATION
Although the vicinity of the fire is closed, most of the Carson National
Forest is still open to provide a wide range of recreation
opportunities. People are encouraged to call any Carson NF office for
more information. (See CLOSURES below for details.)
CLOSURES
The Governor has imposed a statewide fire closure for state and private
land. Smoking is permitted only in vehicles and enclosed buildings.
Call (505) 827-5830 for more information.
Taos County has implemented a temporary ban on "all open and containerized burning." This includes open burning of wood, brush, weeds, and trash on open ground; wood, brush, weeds, and trash on open ground; wood, coal or charcoal campfires, cookfires or bonfires; containerized burning of wood, trash, or garbage in barrels, fireplaces, stoves; and burning gas, wood or charcoal in barbecues. Call 758-8834 for more information. Forest Supervisor Leonard Lucero has signed an order closing the Carson National Forest IN THE VICINITY OF THE FIRE. No entry is permitted into the Columbine Wilderness Study Area and the Cebolla Mesa area. Camping is also prohibited in the Rio Hondo drainage. This order is expected to be in effect only during the duration of the fire.
The Bureau of Land Management today instituted a fire restriction on all BLM lands in northwestern New Mexico. Smoking is permitted only in vehicles or in buildings. Open flames are prohibited, including those in grills, firepans, etc. Stoves or other self-containerized cooking, lighting, or heating devices must be fueled by pressurized liquid or gas fuels. For more information call 758-8851.
BE CAREFUL WITH GRADUATION PARTIES
Rebecca Montoya, a staffer for Congressman Richardson, is speaking to
graduating seniors about the need to be careful with fires at graduation
parties. Bonfires are a popular part of graduation celebrations, but she
suggests that other kinds of celebrations are more appropriate in these
extreme conditions.
Bill Russell, Acting Director of Fire and Aviation for the Southwestern Region, said in regard the extreme fire conditions, "Be careful out there so that we don't have to close the Nation Forests in New Mexico."
**MESSAGE FROM FOREST SUPERVISOR LEONARD LUCERO**
"It is critical that everyone in northern New Mexico understand what an extreme fire danger we face. On Wednesday, despite warnings broadcast on radio, TV and newspapers, someone lit a campfire in Hondo canyon. We simply can't protect the forest that is so important to all of us, without your cooperation.
All of the major fires in the southwest this spring have been caused by people, not lightning. This is the earliest fire season I can recall. The weather is unseasonably warm and afternoon wind gusts are strong. I cannot stress enough how important it is for all of us to be careful.
This is why I've had to impose the fire restrictions that you've heard about. I appreciate you understanding.
I also want to take this opportunity to tell you about the health of the potential wildfire threat to you Carson National Forest. In may places on the forest, we have many, many trees growing closely together. When fire is a regular visitor, as happens naturally, it cleans up the forest and fertilizes the forest floor, while leaving most of the larger trees unharmed. That's why we have a prescribed fire program. Under the right conditions we can use fire as a tool.
We can also keep the forest healthy and still provide you with the products you need. When people thin the forest, they mimic the affects of small low-intensity fires. Be carefully and selectively cutting trees for firewood, vigas and lumber, we can improve out forest's health.
I appreciate the opportunity to convey these thoughts. We, as professional land managers, have your interests at heart. My interest, as yours, is a healthy and green Carson National Forest."
Loving reported that 227,000 gallons of water were dumped on the fire yesterday, and crews are "taking care of every smoke they can find." fire officials are starting to release come crews, and the night shift will be "pared down to a minimum" beginning tonight. "We're winding things down, Loving said, "but we're not pulling out yet. We've got a lot of things to do.
ANOTHER FIRE CLOSURE
The Bureau of Land Management today instituted a fire restriction on all
BLM lands in northwestern New Mexico. Smoking is permitted only in
vehicles or in buildings. Open flames are prohibited, including those in
grills, firepans, etc. Stoves or other self-containerized cooking,
lighting, or heating devices must be fueled by pressurized liquid or gas
fuels. For more information call 758-8851.
BE CAREFUL WITH GRADUATION PARTIES
Rebecca Montoya, a staffer for Congressman Richardson, is speaking to
graduating seniors about the need to be careful with fires at graduation
parties. Bonfires are a popular part of graduation celebrations, but she
suggests that other kinds of celebrations are more appropriate in these
extreme conditions.
WEATHER
Partly cloudy, breezy and cooler tomorrow. Slightly higher humidity in
the afternoon with scattered cloud build-up. Isolated high-based
thunderstorms possible north of the fire area. Winds may be gusty and
shifting.
ROAD CLOSURES
SR 38 between Questa and Red River remains closed to all except local
residents (drivers must show proof of residency; it is also closed east
of Red River
RECREATION
Although the vicinity of the fire is closed, most of the Carson National
Forest is still open to provide a wide range of recreation
opportunities. People are encouraged to call any Carson NF office for
more information. (See CLOSURES below for details.)
CLOSURES
The Governor has imposed a statewide fire closure for state and private
land. Smoking is permitted only in vehicles and enclosed buildings.
Call (505) 827-5830 for more information.
Taos County has implemented a temporary ban on "all open and containerized burning." This includes open burning of wood, brush, weeds, and trash on open ground; wood, brush, weeds, and trash on open ground; wood, coal or charcoal campfires, cookfires or bonfires; containerized burning of wood, trash, or garbage in barrels, fireplaces, stoves; and burning gas, wood or charcoal in barbecues. Call 758-8834 for more information. Forest Supervisor Leonard Lucero has signed an order closing the Carson National Forest IN THE VICINITY OF THE FIRE. No entry is permitted into the Columbine Wilderness Study Area and the Cebolla Mesa area. Camping is also prohibited in the Rio Hondo drainage. This order is expected to be in effect only during the duration of the fire.
Bill Russell, Acting Director of Fire and Aviation for the Southwestern Region, said in regard the extreme fire conditions, "Be careful out there so that we don't have to close the Nation Forests in New Mexico."
FIRE HISTORY
The fire began May 5th around noon. A trash fire is the suspected
origin. the fire spread through the community of Lama (est. population
of 50). Thirty-two structures were destroyed (many of these were
residents), and 3 were severely damaged. The two main buildings of the
Lama Foundation (mediation center) were not damaged. Value of property
lost or destroyed in the fire is estimated at $1.6 million.
FIRE LINGO: SAY WHAT YOU MEAN...
Contain: Construct a fireline well beyond the actual burn area to
prevent spread, but allow the fire to burn itself out. (Passive)
Control: Construct a fireline around the fire, and then go in and mop up the fire. (Agressive)
The acreage estimate remains unchanged at 7525. (Of this total, 1120 acres are private property.)
There are 1058 people on the fire, including thirty-four 20-person crews. Five helicopters and six air tankers are assigned.
A local resident said she spent some sleepless nights earlier this week as the evening sky glowed with wildfire. "It was really scary," she said, "but now I can sleep at night." Fire information officers are talking with local schoolchildren to calm their fears.
Today's Firefighting
Helicopters will continue water drops on the northeast flank, where the fire is backing slowly down into Bear Canyon. Crews will work on securing the line near San Cristobal. Patrol and mop-up continues, to ensure that communities are safe. Twenty-five crews will work the day shift.
Weather
Hot, dry and unstable conditions persist. Wind gusts of 30-35 mph are expected this afternoon, as well as buildup of cumulous clouds. These conditions are expected to cause flareups in the interior of the fire area.
Road Closures
SR 522 is open. SR 38 between Questa and Red River remains closed to all except local residents (drivers must show proof of residency); it is also closed east of Red River.
Recreation
Although the vicinity of the fire is closed, most of the Carson National Forest is still open to provide a wide range of recreation opportunities. People are encouraged to call any Carson NF office for more information. (See CLOSURES below for details on the area that is closed.)
Closures
The Governor has imposed a statewide closure for state and private land. Smoking is permitted only in vehicles and enclosed buildings. Call (505) 27-5830 for more information.
Taos County has implemented a temporary ban on "all open and containerized burning." This includes open burning of wood, brush, weeds, and trash on open ground; wood, coal or charcoal campfires, cookfires or bonfires; containerized burning of wood, trash, or garbage in barrels, fireplaces, stoves; and burning gas wood or charcoal in barbeques. Call 758-8834 for more information.
Forest Supervisor Leonard Lucero signed an order today closing the Carson National Forest IN THE VICINITY OF THE FIRE. No entry is permitted into the Columbine Wilderness Study Area and the Cebolla Mesa area. Camping is also prohibited in the Rio Hondo drainage. This order is expected to be in effect only during the duration of the fire. "Some people have been hiking up to view the fire from Hondo Canyon. With all the planes and helicopters flying around, and danger from the fire, it's just not a safe place to be right now," says Gary Schiff, Carson NF spokesperson.
Bill Russell, Acting director of Fire and Aviation for the Southwestern Region, said in regard to the extreme fire conditions, "Be careful out there so that we don't have to close the National Forests in New Mexico."
Fire History
The fire began May 5th around noon. A trash fire is the suspected origin. The fire spread through the community of Lama (est. population of 50). Thirty-two structures were destroyed (many of these were residences), and 3 were severely damaged. The two main buildings of the Lama Foundation (meditation center) were not damaged. Value of property lost or destroyed in the fire is estimated at $1.6 million.
Governor Johnson said he is concerned that people are not changing their ordinary behavior in response to extreme fire conditions. "Unfortunately, people are behaving like they always do at this time of year. They are continuing to burn trash, which was the cause of the Hondo Fire; they are burning ditches, which has caused a number of fires in the Chama area; and they're careless with campfires, which was the cause of the Dome Fire. The Mescalero Area Fire was caused by kids playing with fire."
The Governor has imposed a statewide fire restriction. (See CLOSURES below for details).
Residents of Red River and south Questa were permitted to return to their homes yesterday afternoon. Residents of Lama will be permitted to return today. SR 522 is open to residents of Questa, San Cristobal and Lama from 6:00 AM to 7:0 PM. SR 38 between Questa and Red River is closed.
Recreation
Forest Supervisor Leonard Lucero says that, although the vicinity of the fire is closed, most of the Carson National Forest is still open to provide a wide range of recreation opportunities. People are encouraged to call any CarsonNF office for more information. (See CLOSURES below for details on the area that is closed.)
Today's Firefighting
The acreage estimate increased overnight to 7525 acres. Of this total, 1120 acres are private property. There is no estimated containment date.
On the eastern flank, the fire has spread into the rugged, incaccessible Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Study Area. Firefighters continue to secure areas of the the fire near communities. Handline construction is continuing on the north and south flanks.
There are 1058 people on the fire, including thirty-four 20 person crews. Five helicopters and six air tankers are assigned.
Closures
The Governor has imposed a statewide fire closure for state and private land. Smoking is permitted only in vehicles and enclosed buildings.
Regional Forester Cartwright is expected to sign today a fire restriction prohibiting any open flame on National Forest lands in New Mexico. The restriction will allow the use of propane stoves and lanterns in improved campgrounds where a campground host is present. Smoking will be permitted only in vehicles and enclosed buildings.
Forest Supervisor Leonard Lucero signed an order today closing the Carson National Forest IN THE VICINITY OF THE FIRE. No entry is permitted into the Columbine Wilderness Study Area and the Cebolla Mesa area. Camping is also prohibited in the Rio Hondo drainage. This order is expected to be in effect only during the duration of the fire. "Some people have been hiking up to view the fire from Hondo Canyon. With all the planes and helicopters flying around, and danger from the fire, it's just not a safe place to be right now," says Gary Schiff, Carson NF spokesperson.
Fire History
The fire began May 5th around noon. A trash fire is the suspected origin. The fire spread through the community of Lama (est. population of 50). Thirty-two structures were destroyed (many of these were residences), and 5 were severely damaged. The two main buildings of the Lama Foundation (meditation center) were not damaged. The fire then moved across over 3000 acres, threatening the communities
of Questa and Red River. Red River is 6 miles northeast of the fire edge.
Fire history on the Carson National Forest indicates that a large project fire of 350 acres might occur once per decade. This area hasn't seen a fire since the turn of the century. Fuels are heavy at 15 to 30 tons per acre, some dead trees from recent spruce budworm attacks. Fire has burned almost to tree line. This issteep mountainous, forested country, just west of both Red River and Taos Ski Valley. Because of the topography, most of the fire fighting has been by air tankers.
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jim Lyons and Governor Johnson will be briefed by Incident Commander Gary Loving at the fire camp today. They will also meet with local community leaders and representatives of communities affected by the fire. Lyons and Johnson will be accompanied by Regional Forester Charles Cartwright and Carson Forest Supervisor Leonard Lucero. The group will hold a press conference at 12:30 pm at the fire camp.
SR 522 is open to residents of Questa, San Cristobal and lama from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. SR 38 between Questa and Red River is closed.
New Mexico National Guard, Red Cross and local organizations are assisting federal and state fire crews. Communities are pulling together to donate food and clothing. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is assessing the situation.
Closures
The Governor has imposed a statewide fire closure for state and private land. Smoking is permitted only in vehicles and enclosed buildings.
Regional Forester Cartwright is expected to sign today a fire restriction prohibiting any open flame on National Forest lands in New Mexico. The restriction will allow the use of propane stoves and lanterns in improved campgrounds where a campground host is present. Smoking will be permitted only in vehicles and enclosed buildings.
Forest Supervisor Leonard Lucero signed an order today closing the Carson National Forest IN THE VICINITY OF THE FIRE. No entry is permitted into the Columbine Wilderness Study Area and the Cebolla Mesa area. Camping is also prohibited in the Rio Hondo drainage. This order is expected to be in effect only during the duration of the fire. "Some people have been hiking up to view the fire from Hondo Canyon. With all the planes and helicopters flying around, and danger from the fire, it's just not a safe place to be right now," says Gary Schiff, Carson NF spokesperson.
Today's Plan
The acreage estimate increased overnight to 7525 acres. There is no estimated containment date. On the eastern flank, the fire has spread into the rugged, inaccessible Coumbine-Hondo Wilderness Study Area. Firefighters continue to secure areas of the fire near communities. Handline construction is continuing on the north and south flanks.
There are 825 people on the fire, including thirty-one 20-person crews. Five helicopters and six air tankers are assigned.
Weather
Winds are expected to be gusty again this afternoon. Hot and dry conditions persist.
Injuries
Only one minor knee injury to a firefighter has occured. Safety is the top priority for firefighters.
Fire History
The fire began May 5th around noon. A trash fire is the suspected origin. The fire spread through the community of Lama (est. population of 50). Thirty-two structures were destroyed (many of these were residences), and 5 were severely damaged. The two main buildings of the Lama Foundation (meditation center) were not damaged. The fire then moved across over 3000 acres, threatening the communities of Questa and Red River. Red River is 6 miles northeast of the fire edge.
Fire history on the Carson National Forest indicates that a large project fire of 350 acres might occur once per decade. This area hasn't seen a fire since the turn of the century. Fuels are heavy at 15 to 30 tons per acre, some dead trees from recent spruce budworm attacks. Fire has burned almost to tree line. This issteep mountainous, forested country, just west of both Red River and Taos Ski Valley. Because of the topography, most of the fire fighting has been by air tankers.
Current Situation
The Hondo Fire is located fifteen miles north of Taos on the Carson National Forest. A decision will be made in the near future about allowing residents to return to the towns of Red River and Questa; the decision will be coordinated between fire officials and state police, and the police will notify people. No communities are immediately threatened.
New Mexico National Guard, Red Cross and local organizations are assisting federal and state fire crews. Communities are pulling together to donate food and clothing. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is assessing the situation.
SR 522 is open to local traffic only between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Some side roads providing access to the fire have been closed, and are being patrolled.
Watch for signs and fire traffic.
Today's Plan
Current acreage estimate is about 7280 acres. Helicopters will drop water on the east side of the fire, where the fire is burning in very steep terrain. Firefighters will work on establishing line on the flanks of the fire, and continue to burn unburned fuel between constructed firelines and the main body of the fire to reduce the chance of fire crossing the firelines.
A fire management team and about thirty 20-person crews are committed to the fire. While forest officials are concerned about controlling the fire, "our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost their homes." says Ron Thibedeau, Quest District Ranger.
Weather
Winds are expected to increase today (gusts to 25 - 30 mph likely in the afternoon). Conditions remain very dry.
Fire History
The fire began May 5th around noon. A trash fire is the suspected origin. The fire spread through the community of Lama (est. population of 50). Twenty-six structures were burned; many of these were residences. The two main buildings of the Lama Foundatin (meditation center) were not damaged. The fire then moved across over 3000 acres, threatening the communities of Questa and Red River. Red River is eight miles northeast of the fire edge.
Dozer lines continue to hold around the southern edge of Questa. The fire remains active on the eastern boundary. It has burned to the ridgeline above San Cristobal Canyon on the south side.
Fire is slowing creeping toward Red River. Some containment lines have been constructed by hand and dozer specifically around the village of Questa.
Fire is also creeping in the San Cristobal area. Some spotting has occurred.
As of 4 pm best estimates are that the fire has grown by about 5-600 acres thus far today.
Hondo fire is located fifteen miles north of Taos on the Carson National Forest. It began the morning of May 5th around noon. Investigation is centering around a trash fire that escaped. It spread through the community of Lama (est. population 50). Twenty-three buildings were reported burned and some lost their homes. There are reports of damage to the Lama Foundation as well. The fire then spread rapidly and engulfed over 3000 acres, threatening the communities of Questa and Red River. Planes dropped some 20 loads of retardent. Red River, population 2000, has been evacuated. Red River is eight miles northeast of the fire edge. Dozer lines were constructed last night around the southern edge of Questa and some residents were evacuated.
Twenty 20 person firefighting crews are expected to arrive today. Weather forecast is for much of the same: hot, dry and gusty afternoon winds. Forest officials are requesting that people do not travel on SR 518 unless it's urgent as many emergency vehicles will be using the highway between Taos and Questa.
Fire history on the Carson National Forest indicates that a large project fire of 350 acres might occur once per decade. This area hasn't seen a fire since the turn of the century. Fuels are heavy at 15 to 30 tons per acre, some dead trees from recent spruce budworm attacks. Fire has burned almost to tree line. This is steep mountainous, forested country, just west of both Red River and Taos Ski Valley. Because of the topography, most of the fire fighting has been by air tankers.
Infrared photos indicate that 7000 acres have burned through last night. Eight planeloads of fire retardent are being dropped on the fire this morning. (5/6)
While Forest Officers are concerned about controlling the fire, their thoughts are with the people who have suffered. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost their homes," said Ron Thibedeau, Questa District Ranger.