Trigo 4.19.08 Update
Incident: Trigo Fire Wildland Fire
Released: 4/19/2008
Date April 19, 2008 6:00 AM For Immediate Release
Public Fire Information Meeting Scheduled
Aerial ignitions are planned this morning on the Trigo Fire to assist crews in strengthening control lines. Crews worked tirelessly yesterday on the north perimeter of the fire, widening the barrier against potential fire spread to the northeast. Air attack was used to cool down hot spots, allowing firefighters safe access to critical areas. In addition, 86,000 gallons of retardant was dropped, largely on the East perimeter.
Red flag wind conditions are expected by late afternoon.
At the request of the Mountainair Ranger District, a public meeting is scheduled this evening to discuss fire information and the public's role in preparedness. The district is hosting the New Mexico Type 2 Incident Management Team, Torrance County Sheriff's Department, County Office of Emergency Management and the American Red Cross. Each agency will give a brief presentation and answer pertinent questions.
The meeting will be held at the Torreon Community Center at 6:00 p.m.
Incident Commander Craig Cowie says he shares community concerns. "Our main incident objectives are to provide for public and firefighter safety," said Cowie.
Firefighters have focused diligently on safety, and resource preservation while aggressively fighting the Trigo Fire in steep, rough, often inaccessible terrain. Crews continue to be "spiked out" in camps along the east perimeter in frigid nighttime temperatures in order to reduce travel time to the fire.
Fire Facts:
Containment: 30% Acres: 1160 Fire Personnel: 309 Hot Shot Crews: 6
Type II Crews: 4 Engines: 8 Aircraft Available: 3 helicopters, 5 airtankers
Cost to Date: $967,000
There are NO community evacuations, but residents should remain alert
