San Miguel Wildland Fire Update - July 10
Incident: San Miguel Wildfire
Released: 7/10/2009
Interagency News Release
For Immediate Release June 10, 2009
The lightning-ignited San Miguel Wildland Fire is currently 477 acres. (430 acres on Bandelier National Monument; 47 acres on Santa Fe National Forest). This interagency fire is being managed for resource benefits on both jurisdictions.
Today a hotshot crew worked on the northeast area of the fire to prepare a fireline ahead of the fire that will help protect a backcountry cabin. Tomorrow the hotshot crew will be securing the southern perimeter of the fire, ensuring the fire is out cold, as that area has not been active.
The San Miguel Wildland Fire is very visible and can appear deceptively close. "Elevation and topography may influence how people perceive the location of this fire." says Bandelier National Monument Superintendent Jason Lott. 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.
"The fire is gradually making its way towards areas that have previously burned during the 1996 Dome Fire and the 1977 La Mesa Fire," says Bandelier National Monument Fire Management Officer Gary Kemp. "If and when the fire reaches these areas, fire intensity and rate of spread will slow because there are not consistent heavy fuels to carry it, he added."
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. Backcountry closures in the park include the Turkey Springs Trail, Boundary Peak Trail, and Capulin Canyon - including all trails and backcountry camping areas in Capulin. Backcountry campers may still obtain free permits to camp in the designated areas in Frijoles Canyon even though Capulin Canyon is closed. Visitors to the park may encounter smoky conditions during late afternoon and evening hours as localized smoke settles over the Monument. The Monument is providing public information at the scenic overlook located on the main park entrance road. There are good opportunities to view this fire from this overlook and to talk with park staff and fire information officers for fire updates. This week-end the overlook will be staffed between 10am and 6pm.
Date of Discovery: July 2, 2009 Cause: Lightning
Location: The fire is in a remote area of the Bandelier Wilderness at Bandelier National Monument and the Dome Wilderness on the Sante Fe National Forest.
Vegetation: The fire is burning in pinon, juniper, ponderosa pine and grass.
Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Bernallilo, Albuquerque and I-25, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Smoke may settle in some communities during the overnight hours. There has been good smoke dispersal during the day. Smoke is expected to vary in intensity, location and duration with fire activity, fuels, and weather over the duration of the fire.
Fire Information: Call (505) 662-7065 x 28 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/
