San Miguel Wildland Fire Update - July 13
Incident: San Miguel Wildfire
Released: 7/13/2009
The lightning-ignited San Miguel Wildland Fire is currently 1,422 acres (1,294 acres on Bandelier National Monument; 128 acres on Santa Fe National Forest).
"We are using a variety of strategies to manage this fire safely, effectively, and cost efficiently," said Bandelier National Monument Superintendent Jason Lott. "Firefighter and public health remains our top priority," he added.
"The fire is beginning to reach the boundaries of its natural progression," said Incident Commander Robert Morales. The southern perimeter of the fire remains inactive. "On the north and east, we plan check the growth of the fire to keep the fire out of Capulin Canyon. We will continue to monitor the fire's natural progression as it continues to move west within the Dome Wilderness," he added.
Today crews prepared a fireline ahead of the northeast perimeter to keep the fire out of Capulin Canyon. A helicopter supported the firefighters throughout most of the day, cooling down hotspots which allowed firefighters an opportunity to construct line to keep the fire's growth in check. In the afternoon, two SEATs (Single Engine Air Tankers) also dropped water in the area between the Boundary Peak Trail and the Capulin Canyon.
"The majority of fire activity occurs along the active perimeter of the fire," Bandelier National Monument Fire Management Officer Gary Kemp explained. "While we may continue to see similar fire growth over the next week or so, the fire will begin to lose steam as it reaches natural boundaries and burns into the area previously burned during the 1996 Dome Fire," he said. "Over time, fire and smoke activity will be limited to hot spots within the fire's perimeter, which will continue to smolder until extinguished naturally by rain or snow," he added.
There are currently 61 total personnel assigned to the fire including: 1 Wildland Fire Module, 2 hotshot crews, and various overhead positions. On Tuesday, two additional handcrews will arrive to assist the existing crews with suppressing the growth of the northeast finger of the fire. The helicopter and SEATs will be available to assist the ground resources if needed.
- Continued -
San Miguel Wildland Fire Quick Facts - July 13
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 Santa Fe National Forest. 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.
Vegetation: The fire is burning in pinon, juniper, ponderosa pine and grass.
Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Bernalillo, 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.
Santa Fe National Forest Backcountry Status: Forest Road (FR) 142 is closed to the public at FR 289 due to fire vehicle traffic. Additionally, the following Santa Fe National Forest trails are closed for public safety: Trail 116 - Capulin Trail, Trail 118 - St. Peter's Dome Trail, Trail 119 - Turkey Spring Trail, and Trail 427 - Boundary Peak Trail.
Bandelier National Monument Status: 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 best place to view the fire is at the scenic overlook located on the main park road, where park staff and fire information officers are available to answer questions.
Fire Information: Call (505) 662-7065 x 28 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/
