San Miguel Wildland Fire Update - July 11
Incident: San Miguel Wildfire
Released: 7/11/2009
The lightning-ignited San Miguel Wildland Fire is currently 856 acres (728 acres on Bandelier National Monument; 128 acres on Santa Fe National Forest). This interagency fire is being managed for resource benefits on both jurisdictions.
Fire behavior continues to fluctuate throughout the day, creeping and smoldering in the morning, and running and torching, with occasional short range spotting in the afternoon and evening. "Over the past few days, flames have been visible later in the evening, due to the pre-heating effect of higher daytime temperatures and no overnight humidity recovery," says Bandelier National Monument Fire Management Officer Gary Kemp. "Increased visibility of flames is also due in part to the fact due to the elevation and topography of the fire location," he added.
Bandelier National Monument Superintendent Jason Lott emphasizes, "The San Miguel Wildand Fire continues to meet objectives and poses no immediate threat to life, safety, and property." Today, a 20-person hotshot crew secured the southern perimeter of the fire, as that area has not been active for several days. This was accomplished by cutting minimal handline and connecting the handline into natural features to prevent further growth to the south.
"Portions of the west and northwest area of the fire are beginning to burn into an area that burned previously during the 1996 Dome Fire, where fire activity is likely to decrease," Kemp said. The hotshot crew and wildland fire module will be scouting the northwest portion of the fire on Sunday, looking for possible locations to cut handline if needed, should the fire continue its movement toward the Dome Lookout.
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/
