6-27-2023 8:32am

Otero County New Mexico Burn Ban BLM Fire Updates

Chris Edwards Editor

Attention, Otero County the Office of Emergency Services has issued a Burn Ban Alert: Effective Immediately!

Per a press release, “we want to ensure everyone's safety and protect our beautiful county from the risks of wildfires. Therefore, please be advised that a burn ban is now in effect for Otero County, New Mexico.”

This means NO open burning, including campfires, bonfires, agricultural burns, and any other outdoor burning activities.

Let's prioritize the well-being of our community and prevent potential disasters.

Additionally the Bureau of Land Management has issued a series of alerts…

Abundant dry fuels (grasses, shrubs, and trees) and a prolonged drought have prompted the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement fire restrictions on BLM lands at Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area and around the community of Lincoln beginning June 27 at 8 a.m., until further notice. The purpose of this action is to ensure the public health and safety of surrounding communities and minimize chances for wildfire starts.

Prohibited acts:

Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove. Petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns and heating devices are allowed, providing they meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.
Smoking. Exceptions are: in an enclosed vehicle or building; at a developed recreation site; or while stopped in an area at least three-feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework and other pyrotechnic or incendiary device. The use of exploding targets in recreational shooting is already prohibited on all BLM lands in the state.

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Restitution for total costs of fire suppression or damage will be borne by the violator.

We appreciate the public’s cooperation to help minimize the number of human-caused wildfires.

For more information, contact the BLM Roswell Field Office at (575) 627-0272 or the BLM New Mexico Fire Restrictions website. Additional fire restrictions information can be found at www.nmfireinfo.com.

Rico Fire Update – June 26th

Location: ¼ mile NW of Pinos Altos, NM I Size: 421 acres I Containment: 61%

Personnel: 157 I Start Date: June 20, 2023 I Cause: Under investigation

Fuels: Slash, timber and brush

The LAST FIRE UPDATE for the RICO FIRE will be issued on June 28th

SILVER CITY, NM, June 26, 2023 – Having achieved 61% containment, the next phase of the Rico Fire will be suppression repair which involves immediate post-fire actions taken to repair damages and minimize potential soil erosion. Impacts result from fire suppression activities and repair/rehab work usually begins before the fire is contained and before demobilization of the Incident Management Team. This work repairs hand and dozer lines, trails, staging areas, safety zones, drop points, and possibly roads used during the firefighting effort. Visibility of the handline constructed during the fire will be reduced to prevent it from becoming a new trail or travel corridor. Brush and limbs may be scattered onto firelines so that a more natural appearance is restored. Waterbars are installed to facilitate drainage, especially on sloped terrain and handline intersections with roads and trails.

Firefighters will continue to work on the fire until they reach 100% containment. To date, no firefighter injuries or illnesses have been reported. The number of personnel and equipment will gradually decrease as the 100% containment goal nears completion. Firefighters will continue to monitor and patrol the area after all resources have been released.

Bear Creek Road is not closed: Travelers are asked to remain vigilant while traveling along Bear Creek Road, as firefighting operations are ongoing. Reduce speeds and proceed with caution.

Road Closure Status: There are NO ROAD CLOSURES associated with the Rico Fire.

Residual Smoke: Expected to settle into lower elevations. Smoke sensitive individuals who want to learn more should follow recommendations at NMFireInfo Smoke Management

Aviation Restrictions: ATemporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the Rico Fire. All non-fire aircraft are restricted. This includes civilian drones.

For more information: visit NMFireInfo or the Inciweb direct link to the Rico Fire

Rico Fire Information: 575-323-1533 8 am to 8 pm or email Loretta_Benavidez@firenet.gov

Comanche Fire Update | June 26, 2023

Upcoming Actions: Red flag conditions, with very dry and breezy to windy conditions, are forecasted today. Fire crews continue to hold and patrol the fire line, gridding for potential spot fires. Suppression tactics have reduced fire activity, and crews will continue to improve containment lines, working in steep and rugged terrain. Suppression activities are concentrated on the west side of the fire, where most heat remains.

While the Comanche Fire’s ultimate acreage will be less than initially anticipated, it has had the desired ecological effects in burned areas. The consumed surface fuels in the understory make way for improved forest health.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Canjilon, Abiquiu, El Rito and as far as Santa Fe and Taos. It may impact the communities of Abiquiu, El Rito, Medenales, Hernandez and the Española Valley. Temporary smoke monitors have been placed at the El Rito Ranger Station, Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu and the Chevron station in Hernandez. Air quality data is available from the Fire and Smoke Map at fire.airnow.gov.

Special Messages: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. For the safety of aerial resources and fire crews on the ground, please do not fly drones in the fire vicinity. If you fly, we can’t.

Closure: Temporary partial road closures are in effect on Forest Roads 137 and 20.