Evacuees Can Return Home - Los Alamos County Roadblocks Lifted
Incident: Las Conchas Wildfire
Released: 7/3/2011
Los Alamos County
Media Advisory
Public Information Office
133 Central Park Square
Media Info Ctr: 663-1966
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE! NR#36 July 3, 2011 7 a.m.
Evacuees Can Return Home - Los Alamos County Roadblocks Lifted
Los Alamos, New Mexico July 3, 2011 - Los Alamos County Police Chief Wayne Torpy announces that all normal access points to the Los Alamos county townsite are open at 8 a.m. today with the following two exceptions: State Road 4 remains closed West of Monterey Drive South, and all access points to the Jemez Mountains to and from Los Alamos County remain closed.
Torpy said, "We urge residents, to be patient, to be aware that public safety and other workers are still engaged in recovery efforts, and that smoke in the community can still reduce visibility for motorists. If a returning motorist is involved in a minor motor vehicle accident or if their vehicle is disabled, we ask motorists to move the vehicle safely off of the roadway if possible and to call Police Dispatch at 662-8222. If the disabled vehicle is not movable, please contact the 911 emergency phone number immediately, to report the accident so a tow truck can be sent, and traffic flow can be enabled."
Residents of Los Alamos County are reminded that Los Alamos National Laboratory remains closed for all but essential personnel. LANL information for employees, following the repopulation of the townsite can be found at www.lanl.gov.
The 121,248 acre Las Conchas fire continues to burn close to Los Alamos. Early morning weather patterns create extra heavy smoke which impedes visibility in the morning hours. Motorists are asked to take extra precautions if driving in the morning. Once arriving at home, Los Alamos residents are asked to stay home for several hours to keep as many vehicles off the road as possible while the safe and efficient repopulation of the townsite continues during the day. Those with compromised health are asked to consult with their doctors before returning to the townsite due to the smoke levels.
Fire lines will be continue to be hardened, which are a preventative measure that helps contain the fire, are still being lit to prevent wildfire encroachment on the townsite. The Las Conchas fire along with the preventative backburning create thick smoke visible from the Los Alamos townsite. At night, fire activity can also appear closer than it actually is. Residents are asked to call the 311 Customer Care Center at 662-8333 if concerned about fire activity within general visibility of your home. Residents are asked to only use the 911 emergency phone numbers if fire is a clear and immediate threat to their structure.
Residents can expect to see charred and smouldering landscapes in the hills and mountains surrounding Los Alamos. In addition, forest animals roving the townsite area have increased in number to escape the fire. Please contact Fish and Game Service (www.wildlife.state.nm.us; 505-476-8000) to inquire about or report any threatening animal activity. Please stay out of drainage areas because any significant rain will cause flooding.
The LAPD and the National Guard presence remains at an increase level. Residents are asked to conform with law enforcement directives as they return to their neighborhoods.
Torpy said, "Managing traffic, continued fire containment, emergency medical services, and the ramp-up of a myriad of other community services, while supporting the efficient and safe return of our residents requires that we all work together, to keep incoming traffic safe and flowing."
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Los Alamos County comprises the two communities of White Rock and the Los Alamos townsite. The Los Alamos townsite is now re-opened. A "Reverse 911" or autodialing system is in place for residents wishing to opt-in for future emergency and recovery updates via telephone visit www.losalamosnm.us to sign up to receive alerts.. The public is encouraged to tune in to 1610 Radio, visit www.nmfireinfo.wordpress.com or www.inciweb.org/incident/2385
for fire specific updates, and to contact the 311 Customer Care Center at 662-8333, or to visit www.losalamosnm.us for community information.
