Soldier Wildfire Update
Incident: Soldier Wildfire
Released: 5/12/2009
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 today.
% Contained: 85%
Summary: Despite critical fire weather conditions this afternoon, firefighters made substantial progress on the Soldier Fire. Firefighters completed some type of fireline around the entire fire, and solidified some fireline completed yesterday. 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 coals presented a threat to the fireline. Overall, the fire exhibited only minor burning within the interior. Tomorrow, firefighters hope to fully contain the fire, by utilizing water from engines and hose lay to put out hotspots and mop-up.
Resources Committed: Northern New Mexico Type 3 Team, 5 engines, 2 Type 1 Hotshot crews, 1 Type 2 crew, 2 Water Tender, 1 Helicopter. Demobilization of resources has begun.
Predicted Weather: For tonight the weather is going to be clear with cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity levels. Winds are expected from the west with gusts up to 11 to 21 mph and calming by midnight. Tomorrow, the weather 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 appears to no longer be 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.
