San Miguel Wildland Fire Update – July 16
Incident: San Miguel Wildfire
Released: 7/16/2009
Bandelier National Monument and the Santa Fe National Forest are cooperatively managing the lightning-ignited San Miguel Wildland Fire for resource benefits. The fire is currently 1,635 acres (1,443 acres on Bandelier National Monument; 192 acres on Santa Fe National Forest).
"Today firefighters finished securing the northeast and southern perimeters of the fire," said Incident Commander Robert Morales. "Minimal fire activity was observed," he added.
There are currently 68 total personnel assigned to the fire including: 1 Wildland Fire Module, 2 hotshot crews, and various overhead positions. Most resources will be demobilized tomorrow to return to their home units. Six local firefighters will continue to monitor the fire from the ground and the air. Minimal fire activity and smoke is expected over the next few days.
"We will continue to monitor the northwest portion of the fire where fire activity continues to meet resource objectives," said Bandelier National Monument Fire Management Officer Gary Kemp. Adding, "There is a natural ebb and flow in fire behavior and activity and there is still potential for increased fire activity depending on fuels, weather, and topography."
Bandelier National Monument remains OPEN, and the main visitor areas, including the Main Loop Trail in Lower Frijoles Canyon are not affected by this fire. "Bandelier National Monument will reopen Capulin Canyon - including all trails and backcountry camping areas in Capulin at noon on Friday, July 17," said Bandelier National Monument Superintendent Jason Lott. The Turkey Springs Trail and Boundary Peak Trail remain closed. "Temporary trail closures are sometimes necessary to ensure the safety of park visitors," said Lott. "Trails will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so," he explained.
Intermittent smoke may be present in the Monument at times, but is expected to be light. Smoke may settle in the canyons in the park or in nearby communities during the late afternoon and evening hours. Smoke dispersal during the day has been good. Smoke is expected to vary in intensity, location and duration with fire activity, fuels, and weather over the course of the fire.
Santa Fe National Forest backcountry closures remain in place. Forest Road (FR) 142 is closed to the public at FR 289 due to fire vehicle traffic. Additionally, the following Santa Fe National Forest trails are closed for public safety: Trail 116 - Capulin Trail, Trail 118 - St. Peter's Dome Trail, Trail 119 - Turkey Spring Trail, and Trail 427 - Boundary Peak Trail.
The lighting-ignited San Miguel Wildland Fire was discovered on July 2. The fire is burning in pinon, juniper, ponderosa pine and grass. The fire remains 13 miles south of Los Alamos. It is also approximately 9.5 miles southwest of White Rock, 10.5 miles north of Cochiti Pueblo, 22 miles northwest of Santa Fe, and 4.5 miles southwest of Bandelier National Monument scenic overlook.
For fire information, please call (505) 662-7065 x 28
