San Miguel Wildland Fire Update – July 14
Incident: San Miguel Wildfire
Released: 7/14/2009
Bandelier National Monument and the Santa Fe National Forest are cooperatively managing the lightning-ignited San Miguel Wildland Fire for resource benefits. The fire is currently 1,635 acres (1,443 acres on Bandelier National Monument; 192 acres on Santa Fe National Forest).
"The San Miguel Wildland Fire continues to meet our resource objectives," said Bandelier National Monument Superintendent Jason Lott. Wildfires managed for resource benefits maintain the natural role of lightning-caused fires by reducing dead wood accumulations to ash, releasing nutrients, and maintaining this fire-adapted ecosystem.
"Today was an excellent example of our flexibility in managing a wildfire," said Incident Commander Robert Morales. "We are able to use a variety of tactics to limit the spread of the fire on a portion of the fire while continuing to manage the fire for resource objectives," he added.
Today five hotshot crews, supported by two Single Engine Airtankers and a helicopter with a water bucket successfully confined the northeast perimeter of the fire, keeping it out of Capulin Canyon. The Wildland Fire Module took action to protect a backcountry cabin in the area. Tomorrow four hotshot crews and the Wildland Fire Module will be monitoring the northern perimeter of the fire.
"The northwest perimeter of the fire remains active," said Morales. "We will continue to monitor the fire's natural progression as it continues to move west within the Dome Wilderness," he added. "The fire is continuing to clear out the build-up of dead vegetation on the forest floor," Morales added.
Today there was decreased fire activity and smoke due to increased humidity and cloud cover. "As the fire continues to progress naturally, it is expected to vary in intensity, location and duration with fire activity, fuels, and weather over the duration of the fire, said Fire Management Officer Gary Kemp. "Over time, fire and smoke activity will be limited to hot spots within the fire's perimeter, which may continue to smolder until extinguished naturally by rain or snow," he added.
There are currently 129 total personnel assigned to the fire including: 1 Wildland Fire Module, 5 hotshot crews, and various overhead positions. Tomorrow one hotshot crew will be released. The helicopter and SEATs will be available to assist ground resources if needed.
San Miguel Wildland Fire Quick Facts - July 14
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/
