Increased Fire Activity on San Miguel Fire Burning in Bandelier Wilderness
Incident: San Miguel Wildfire
Released: 7/8/2009
The San Miguel Wildland Fire was active again this afternoon, as anticipated. The fire has grown to over 150 acres within the Bandelier Wilderness. "The lightning-ignited San Miguel Wildland Fire is being managed for resource benefits," says Superintendent Jason Lott. "It is burning in a remote area of the park where it poses no immediate threats to life, safety, and property. This fire is creating a mosaic of burned and unburned fuels, which will help limit the intensity and spread of large, intense wildfires in the future," he added.
Fire managers are continuing to monitor the fire from the ground and by air. "This afternoon running and torching fire behavior was observed, with occasional short range spotting, said Bandelier's Fire Management Officer Gary Kemp. 'We expect to see similar fire activity over the next few days," Kemp added.
"This fire has the potential to be a long-duration event," says Bandelier's Fire Management Officer Gary Kemp. "We plan to allow the fire to progress naturally, however we are prepared to use a full range of actions to delay, direct, or minimize the spread of fire in one or more areas if it threatens sensitive resources." says Kemp.
Today the fire moved north towards the Turkey Springs Trail, which we be closed within Monument boundary beginning Thursday, July 9, 2009. "The Monument remains open, and the main visitor areas, including the main loop trail in Lower Frijoles Canyon are not affected by this fire," says Lott.
The San Miguel Wildland Fire remains approximately 13 miles south of Los Alamos, NM. It is located on the west side of Bandelier National Monument, in the Bandelier Wilderness, near the San Miguel ruins. The fire is approximately 1/2 mile from the Sante Fe National Forest boundary.
Smoke may be visible from Los Alamos, Sante Fe, Bernalillo and I-25, especially in the afternoon and evenings. "Visitors to the park may encounter smoky conditions during late afternoon and evening hours if localized smoke settles over some trails in the Monument," added Lott. "There are good opportunities to view this fire from the scenic overlook in the park."
For additional fire information, maps, and photos, please visit www.nps.gov/fire or call 505-662-7065 x 28.
