Soldier Wildfire Update
Incident: Soldier Wildfire
Released: 5/13/2009
Fire Name: Soldier Fire
Time/Date Started: 3:45 PM on Sunday, May 10, 2009
Location: 5 miles northeast of Pecos, NM, within San Miguel County. The fire is burning on private (New Mexico State Forestry) and on Santa Fe National Forest lands.
Cause: Unknown, under investigation; likely human caused.
Fuels: Ponderosa Pine and Mixed Conifer
Size: Approximately 144 acres. No new fire growth was observed yesterday.
% Contained: 85%.
Summary: Despite critical fire weather conditions yesterday, firefighters made substantial progress on the Soldier Fire. Firefighters completed, reinforced and mopped up along the fireline. They deployed a half-mile hose line on the hot north side of the fire and used water to cool burning vegetation. They mopped up other areas where heat and burning material presented a threat to the fireline. Overall, the fire exhibited only minor burning within the interior. Today, firefighters will work to fully contain the fire. Utilizing water from engines with hose lays to put out any hotspots, firefighters will continue with the process of mop-up. Light smoke from the fire may still be visible from the Las Vegas, Sapello, Rociada, and other communities that are northeast of the fire. Three Hotshot Crews have been released from the fire to go to other assignments.
Resources Committed: Northern New Mexico Type 3 Team, 5 engines, 2 Type 1 Hotshot crews, 1 Type 2 crew, 2 Water Tender. Demobilization of resources has begun and will continue to match the needs of the fire.
Predicted Weather: The weather today is going to be mostly sunny with maximum temperatures ranging from 73-77 degrees; relative humidity 10-14 %. Winds are expected from the west at 5 to 8 mph, picking up to 12-18 mph in the afternoon, with gusts up to 28 mph during the peak heating period.
Structures: There are two cabins near the southwest side of the fire, one is currently under construction. Due to aggressive mop-up, there is no longer a threat to these structures.
Evacuations: No evacuations are in place at this time.
Injuries: 1 injury. A firefighter sustained a cut on the arm from a chainsaw. The firefighter has been treated and is doing fine.
Road Closures: The road block that was placed at the intersection of Forest Service Road 86 and 86A has been lifted. However, Forest Service 86A is gated and still closed for firefighter and public safety.
