Aggressive Suppression Actions Continue
Incident: Horse Canyon Wildfire
Released: 7/3/2012
A public meeting was held at 7:00 PM last night at the Queen Volunteer Fire Department, and another public meeting will be held tonight. Summary: Both ground and aerial resources worked tirelessly yesterday to continue aggressive suppression actions on the east side of the fire. The fire actively burned throughout the day, backing against the wind and making short uphill runs. The crews successfully completed a burnout operation on the north side of the fire to keep things in check; crews continue to battle the rough, rocky terrain to keep the fire from making an eastward progression. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) continues to be in place over the fire with a 7 mile radius and a 10,500 foot ceiling. This fire is not impacting the public visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park and we encourage the public to come enjoy the Cave tours and park ranger programs, such as the bat flight program. The tours are on their normal schedule and a list is available at; http://www.nps.gov/.
Detected: Friday, June 29, 2012 Containment: 35% percent
Location: Guadalupe Ranger District, Lincoln NF Fuel Type: Pinon, Juniper, Grass, and Brush
Cause: Lightning Injuries: 0
Today's weather: Temp: 84-88, RH: 21 % -26 %, Winds: South 12 - 17
Current Size: 6000 acres; fire mapped this evening which provided a more accurate acreage
Road Closures: Forest Road 527 at NM 137, Forest Road 527 at 69 (Cougar Road), 5530 at 5530A (North Well Road)
Area Closures: None
Resources Committed:
Crews
5
Engines
7
Dozers
0
Helicopters
3
Watertenders
0
Campcrew
1
Overhead
49
Total Personnel
216
Values at Risk: The community of Queen continues to be threatened from the fire which is approximately 3 miles southeast of the community. There are no evacuation notices or alerts but all residents are cognizant of the situation. In addition to the following, a communications site for Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Caverns Putnam Cabin. Protecting these sites is a high priority for the suppression activities.
Other values at risk include: watershed, grazing lands, livestock, and water supply lines.
Information on wildland fire smoke and your health can be found on the New Mexico Department of Health's website at: https://nmtracking.unm.edu/eh alerts/, or call the New Mexico statewide health line at (877) 304-4161.
As the monsoons approach, heavy rainfall may produce flash floods. The National Weather Service Advisories are available at: http://www.weather.gov/abq.
