Ojo Peak Fire Update in Manzano Mountains
Incident: Ojo Peak Fire Wildland Fire
Released: 11/22/2007
MOUNTAINAIR, NM - November 22, 2007: The Ojo Peak fire has now grown to approximately 7500 acres and is considered 5% contained. The fire was reported early Monday morning burning in rough rocky terrain at the southern end of the Manzano Mountains. The fire is burning to the southwest of Manzano State Park into the wilderness area.
The Cibola National Forest will be transitioning the management of the Ojo Peak Fire to the Southwest Incident Management Type 1 Team (Dan Oltrogge, Incident Commander). Firefighters from several Federal, State, and Local jurisdictions throughout New Mexico are assigned to the fire today. The fire moderated its aggressive spread yesterday when it reached an area that had been mitigated by a thinning project initiated by the U.S. Forest Service. Significant progress was made as firefighters used the opportunity to develop containment lines.
Firefighting efforts will continue today with 150 personnel assigned to the fire. Firefighters will be supported by two helicopters. Three Heavy Air Tankers will also be available to assist the firefighting efforts as needed and as conditions permit.
The weather is predicted to provide favorable conditions to support firefighting efforts. Low winds and higher relative humidity will assist during the day. The potential for strong gusty east winds remains as the cold front moves through. Accumulating snowfall is possible over the higher elevations which will provide firefighters with welcome relief on the fire line.
For updated information on evacuations and road closures, please contact the Torrence County Dispatch at 505-384-9634. Please be careful when visiting your public lands. Long term dry fuels are still creating a dangerous situation. The exact cause of the Ojo Peak fire remains under investigation.
For more information contact Fire Information at the Mountainair Ranger District at 505-847-2990.
