Trigo 4.21.08 Update
Incident: Trigo Fire Wildland Fire
Released: 4/21/2008
Date April 21, 2008 10:00 AM For Immediate Release
Additional Resources Brought in to Battle Trigo Fire
The Trigo Fire, burning in the Manzano Mountains south of Albuquerque, more than doubled in size yesterday as a result of red flag weather conditions. Fire within control lines gained momentum in the early afternoon due to low relative humidity, warm temperatures, and dry, gusty winds.
The interior flame formed a column from convection heat. The column rose high into the air sending burning embers in one-half mile or more to the east. The burning embers quickly ignited dry fuels, resulting in a wind driven fire that traveled three miles within five hours, producing flame lengths of 100 - 200 feet.
Shortly after 3:00 p.m., residents of Manzano were prompted to evacuate. As the fire traveled Northwest of Manzano, residents of Torreon were advised to evacuate. Crews forced off of the line due to extreme fire behavior staged in Manzano until the flame front passed. Soon after, they were back out doing structure protection and flanking the fire with hand line and dozer line.
Crews worked into the night establishing dozer lines on the flank and around the head of the fire spread area. Additional resources arrived during the night with more expected today. A swing shift is being implemented today to provide additional coverage into the evening.
Fire Facts:
Containment: 10% Acres: 3745 Fire Personnel: 387 Hot Shot Crews: 6
Type II Crews: 6 Engines: 8 Aircraft Available: 4 helicopters, 5 air tankers
Cost to date: $1,870,000
Evacuations remain in effect for the communities of Manzano and Torreon. Residents who have left their homes may not be allowed back in until the evacuation is lifted by the Torrance County Office of Emergency Services. Red flag conditions will be in effect again today and residents are urged to be on alert.
