Mountainair Fire Works Ban Remains In Place

Recent rain fall has not been enough to eliminate fire danger and as such the ban on fire works remains in place. Below is the ban notice issued Jund 20, 2008;

NOTICE:

Pursuant to Chapter IV, Article 1, Section 11, of the code of Ordinances, Mountainair, New Mexico, 1977, and restrictions issued by the New Mexico State Forester, the Town of Mountainair is issuing restrictions on all open fires and smoking within the municipal boundaries. These restrictions include, but are not limited to fireworks of any kind, the burning of trash, lumber, leaves, straw, or any other combustible material. Smoking is allowed only within an enclosed vehicle or building. Gas and charcoal grills are allowed, provided the devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety. High daytime temperatures, low humidity, lack of precipitation, and frequent windy days have caused the need for these restrictions to be imposed.

These restrictions will take effect on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 8:00 am. It is so dry, please comply!

For more information, please call City Hall at 847-2321

Rehabilitation Continues on Big Spring Fire

FOR FIRE INFORMATION CALL:
505-384-2062 OR 505-384-2064
Office Hours 7 am – 9 pm
For further information: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/

Media report to the Incident Command Post at the Estancia High School

Date: June 30, 2008, 8:00 a.m.

Rehabilitation Continues on Big Spring Fire

Estancia, NM – June 30, 2008, 8:00 am… Mop-up operations and fire suppression rehabilitation are the focus on the Big Spring Fire. Crews will be working to suppress hot spots and restore any fireline that was constructed, including a chipping operation to mulch vegetation that was cut during fireline construction. As suppression crews are being sent to other fires, additional personnel are beginning to arrive to conduct rehabilitation of the fire area.

There are still portions of the forest that did not receive significant rainfall and the fire danger remains extreme. The public is reminded that the Mountainair Ranger District is in stage III fire restrictions (partial closure) which prohibits entry onto Forest Service land. Due to this closure, Forest Road 55 is closed to the public except from Forest Road 55 to the junction of Forest Road 321 on the north side, and from Forest Road 55 to the Trail Canyon Trailhead on the south side.

For information about fire restrictions on the Cibola National Forest visit the forest website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/

Cooler temperatures that occur at night will cause smoke to settle in the surrounding communities. Torrance County Emergency Management officials are urging anyone who has breathing problems (asthma, emphysema etc.) to avoid the area as a precaution, especially at night and early morning.



Estimated Acreage: 5,580 acres
Containment: 85%
Total Personnel: 417
Estimated Containment Date: July 1, 2008
Jurisdictional Agencies: USFS, Torrance County EOC, NM State Forestry

Restrictions and closures (These areas are still closed to non-residents):

• Forest Valley Subdivision
• Fourth of July Campground
• Forest Service Road 55 (see above)

Evacuations Lifted Near Big Spring Fire

Evacuations Lifted Near Big Spring Fire

Estancia, NM – June 29, 2008, 7:00 am… Due to significant progress on fireline construction and minimal fire activity experienced on Friday and Saturday, officials are lifting the evacuation for areas near the Big Spring Fire. As of 8:00 a.m., June 29, 2008, all residents will be allowed to return. Torrance County Sheriff's Department will staff checkpoints to check IDs to ensure that only residents are allowed to return to the area. CNMEC will be working to restore electricity to any areas currently without power.

One hundred and fifty staff and children at the Inlow Baptist Youth Camp safely evacuated on June 24th. Approximately 200 residents of Tajique, Sherwood Forest subdivision, and Forest Valley subdivision were evacuated on June 25th. Another 50 residents southwest of mile marker 4 on Highway 337 were evacuated on June 26.

Residents returning to the area are urged to use extreme caution while driving on roads and highways near the fire area as there will continue to be heavy fire related traffic. Residents should use extra caution in and around burned areas because of hazardous trees and unstable soils.

Firefighters will continue to patrol the fire perimeter for possible spot fires and are mopping up remaining hot spots within the fire perimeter. Rehabilitation of dozerline and other suppression activities is also on-going.


Estimated Acreage: 5,580 acres
Containment: 65%
Total Personnel: 542
Estimated Containment Date: July 1, 2008
Jurisdictional Agencies: USFS, Torrance County EOC, NM State Forestry

Restrictions and closures (These areas are still closed to non-residents):
Village of Tajique
Forest Valley Subdivision
Fourth of July Campground
Forest Service Road 55

NM Highway 55 on North and South ends of Tajique

Big Spring Fire Structure Loss Announced and Partial Evacuation Lifted

Estancia, NM - June 28, 2008… Torrance County emergency management officials have confirmed that six residences and ten outbuildings have burned in and around Apache Canyon within the Big Spring Fire. Of the six homes that were destroyed, four were permanent residences, one was a part-time residence, and the residential status of one home is unknown.

Those home owners were individually notified by the County this afternoon. If you live in the evacuated areas near the fire and you were not contacted by the County, your structures have not been affected by the fire. Residents can call Torrance County Emergency Management at 505-384-9634 if they are unsure of the status of their property.

The evacuations for the areas accessed by and east of Road AO15 have been lifted. Road AO15 is open to travel. Areas west of Road AO15 remain closed. Highway 337 is also open.

Cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and rainfall on the fire assisted firefighters with suppression efforts today. Significant fireline construction boosted containment to 65 percent. Southwest Area Incident Management Team personnel expect to have the fire 100% contained by July 1.



Estimated Acreage: 5,580 acres

Containment: 65%

Total Personnel: 542

Estimated Containment Date: July 1, 2008

Jurisdictional Agencies: USFS, Torrance County EOC, NM State Forestry

Restrictions and closures:

• Village of Tajique
• Sherwood Forest Subdivision
• Forest Valley Subdivision
• Fourth of July Campground
• Forest Service Road 55
• NM Highway 55 on North and South ends of Tajique

Firefighters Make Ground on Big Spring Fire

PLEASE NOTE NEW INFORMATION NUMBER
Tel: 505-384-2062
505-384-2064

For further information: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/

Media report to the Incident Command Post at the Estancia High School

Firefighters Make Ground on Big Spring Fire

Estancia, NM – June 28, 2008, 8:30am: Fire activity within the Big Spring Fire perimeter was minimal Friday thanks to favorable weather conditions and the efforts of ground and aerial resources. Firefighters were successful in building and fortifying more line around the fire, increasing containment from 10 to 35 percent.

Torrance County emergency management personnel are working on confirmation of structure loss today. They hope to complete their assessment by 2:00 p.m. “Once homeowners that have had structure loss have been notified, information on the number of structures lost will be publicly released,” said John Cordova, Torrance County Emergency Manager.

Power has been restored to area residents with the exception of the Sherwood Forest subdivision and the Forest Valley area. Power will remain off in this area until burned power poles can be replaced. Please be aware that power in these areas may be intermittent and there continues to be the possibility of a power shut-off in emergency situations.

All road blocks and evacuations remain in place. Police escorts continue on Highway 337 between mile marker 4 and Highway 55. For roadblock information ONLY, call Torrance County Dispatch at 505-384-2705.

For fire information, call 505-384-2062 and 384-2064 between the hours of 6:00am and 10:00pm.

Estimated Acreage: 5,580 acres
Containment: 35%
Total Personnel: 505
Estimated Containment Date: July 1, 2008

Jurisdictional Agencies: USFS, Torrance County EOC, NM State Forestry

Restrictions and closures: .

Village of Tajique
Inlow Baptist Youth Camp
Sherwood Forest Subdivision
Forest Valley Subdivision
Fourth of July Campground
Forest Service Road 55
NM Highway 55 on North and South ends of Tajique
Area West of Highway 337 up to mile marker 4 (escort provided)

####END####

Progress on Big Spring Fire

PLEASE NOTE NEW INFORMATION NUMBER
Tel: 505-384-2062 or 505-384-2064

Hughes Team web address for further information is http://imtcenter.net/SouthwestArea1IMT/default.htm?TeamID=27

Media should come to the ICP at the Estancia High School

Progress on Big Spring Fire

Mountainair, NM – June 27, 2008, 9:30am: Firefighters made significant progress on the Big Spring fire on Thursday. Firelines held on the north and northeast sides of the fire and also near Tajique. Despite a significant wind event yesterday evening that fanned the southern end of the fire, crews were able to hold the fire to north of Forest Road 55. This area is on the south end of the forest “loop” road near the Chavez private property.

John Cordova, Torrance County Emergency Manager, has confirmed that structures have been lost on the northern end within the Big Spring Fire perimeter. Cordova said “A confirmation of structures will be made as soon as it is safe enough for an assessment team to enter.”

Officials have been working closely with Central New Mexico Electric COOP and plan on returning power to many areas that are not immediately affected by the Big Spring Fire. This includes many of the evacuated areas such as Tajique and areas north of Tajique. Power is expected to be returned by 10 am this morning. Please be aware that power in these areas may be intermittent and there continues to be the possibility of a power shut-off in emergency situations. Residents continue to be asked NOT to call 911 about power issues as it could inhibit rescue efforts on other incidents.

There are now two new phone numbers for information about the Big Spring Fire: 505-384-2062 and 384-2064. These phones will be staffed from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Road blocks have been setup on State Highway 337 at mile marker 4. Issues have been raised concerning this road block. Escorts will now be provided through this area by a pilot car to assist residents in their commutes. Other road blocks in the area include State Highway 55 south of Tajique and the junction of State Highways 337 and 55. For roadblock information ONLY, call Torrance County Dispatch at 505-384-2705.

Estimated Acreage: 3500
Containment: 10%
Jurisdictional Agencies: USFS, Torrance County EOC, NM State Forestry

Restrictions and closures:



Village of Tajique
Inlow Baptist Youth Camp
Sherwood Forest Subdivision
Forest Valley Subdivision
Fourth of July Campground
Forest Service Road 55
NM Highway 55 on North and South ends of Tajique
Area West of Highway 337 up to mile marker 4 (escort provided)

Personnel: 428

####END####

Big Spring Efforts Continue

Tel: 505-847-2990
Fax: 505-847-2238

Hughes Team web address for further information is http://imtcenter.net/SouthwestArea1IMT/default.htm?TeamID=27

Media should come to the ICP at the Estancia High School


Date: June 26, 2008
Fire Name: Big Spring Fire
Estimated Acreage: Estimated 3500
Containment: 10%
Jurisdictional Agencies: USFS, Torrance County EOC, NM State Forestry

Restrictions and closures:

Village of Tajique
Inlow Baptist Youth Camp
Sherwood Forest Subdivision
Forest Valley Subdivision
Fourth of July Campground
Forest Service Road 55
NM Highway 55 on North and South ends of Tajique
Area West of Highway 337 up to mile marker 4

Personnel: 400

Big Spring Efforts Continue

Mountainair, NM – June 26, 2008 pm: John Cordova, Torrance County Emergency Manager, has confirmed that structures have been lost within the Big Spring Fire area. Cordova said “A confirmation of structures will be performed as soon as it is safe enough for an assessment team to enter.”

Electricity has been turned off for up to 500 residents within or close to evacuated areas around the Big Spring Fire. Firefighter and public safety is the main priority in suppressing this fire. For this reason Torrance County Officials along with the Incident Management Team have requested that power be cut to many areas which feed electricity into the area where firefighters are working. Officials will be working closely with Central New Mexico Electric COOP to determine the possibility of restoring power to certain areas without jeopardizing firefighting efforts. Residents are asked not to call 911 about power issues as it could inhibit rescue efforts on other incidents.

Road blocks have been setup on State Highway 337 at mile marker 4. Issues have been raised concerning this road block. Escorts will now be provided through this area to assist residents in their commutes. Other road blocks in the area include State Highway 55 south of Tajique and the junction of State Highways 337 and 55.

FOR FIRE INFORMATION CALL 505-847-2990
This will be in effect until phones lines have been established at the Incident Command Post
####END####

BIG SPRINGS EVACUATION IN PROGRESS

Big Spring Evacuation in Progress

Mountainair, NM – June 26, 2008. Torrance County Sheriff’s Department is conducting an emergency evacuation of the area Southwest of Mile Marker 4 and State Highway 337. All residents are strongly encouraged to evacuate and register at the American Red Cross Center at the Estancia Community Center. More details to follow…

Big Springs Fire - Closures/Public Meetings

Tel: 505-847-2990
Fax: 505-847-2238

Hughes Team web address for further information is http://imtcenter.net/SouthwestArea1IMT/default.htm?TeamID=27

Media should come to the ICP at the Estancia High School

Date: June 26, 2008
Fire Name: Big Spring Fire
Estimated Acreage: Estimated 3000
Containment: 0%
Jurisdictional Agencies: USFS, Torrance County EOC, NM State Forestry

Restrictions and closures:

Village of Tajique
Inlow Baptist Youth Camp
Sherwood Forest Subdivision
Forest Valley Subdivision
Fourth of July Campground
Forest Service Road 55
NM Highway 55 on North and South ends of Tajique


Personnel: 400

Major Events: Big Spring Public Meetings

PUBLIC MEETINGS TODAY

2 pm – ESTANCIA COMMUNITY CENTER
6:30 pm – TORREON COMMUNITY CENTER

Mountainair, NM – June 26, 2008. Management of The Big Spring Fire has been transferred to the Hughes Southwest Area Incident Management Team as of 6 pm. This team will be operating from the incident command post set up at the Estancia High School. Please note: the Incident Management Team will be hosting 2 public information meetings today. The first will be at 2 pm at the Estancia Community Center. The second will be held at 6:30 pm at the Torreon Community Center.

The Big Spring Fire continues threatening homes around the evacuated areas including Tajique, Inlow Baptist Youth Camp, Sherwood Forest and Forest Valley. Fire officials continued night operations with structure protection being a high priority. Providing for Public and Firefighter safety will continue to be the main priority. With this in mind, today’s objectives include securing and extending firelines as well as structural point protection.

Today’s weather is expected to be very similar to yesterday. The Big Spring Fire became a plume dominated fire yesterday and was able to produce its own thunderstorm. This continues to be a possibility today.

FOR FIRE INFORMATION CALL 505-847-2990
This will be in effect until phones lines have been established at the Incident Command Post

####END####

Unofficial Report - Big Springs Fire

According to the Mountainair Forest Office (505-847-2990) this morning, the fire raging above Tajique is approximately 3000 acres. The fire has jumped the 55 Loop between Apache Canyon and the Tajique camp ground.

I spoke with a Tajique resident Wanda Maldanado. Wanda and her family have not evacuated yet and she indicated that the fire is within approximately 1 mile of Tajique proper. Wanda and other residents are running sprinklers on their properties in hopes that this will save their homes should the fire come into town. Wanda also reported that the water supply is running very low and she wasn't sure how much longer the sprinklers would be able to function.

I will post the "official" notice as soon as it comes in.

If anyone in the fire area would like to place a notice here to let their friends and family know that they are safe, please email me at George@WhisperingRange.com. Everyone please stay safe!

BIG SPRING FIRE ALERT

Big Spring Fire Alert

Mountainair, NM – June 25, 2008 5:30 pm. Officials have called for the evacuation of the Village of Tajique. Residents are being sent to the evacuation center located in Estancia at the Estancia Community Center.

Evacuations: Inlow Baptist Youth Camp
Sherwood Forest Subdivision
Village of Tajique

Closures: Forest Road 55 is currently closed to the public on both sides of the loop.

For further fire information please contact the Mountainair Ranger District at 505-847-2990.

###END###


Big Spring Fire Continues ….

Mountainair, NM – June 25, 2008 4:00pm: The Big Spring Fire is continuing to exhibit extreme fire behavior at this time. Heavy fuels on the ground continue to be a major factor for this fire. Dry weather and the increase in thunderstorm activity also pose a threat. The fire has more than doubled in size this afternoon. The estimated acreage is somewhere around 700 -1000 acres.

Sherwood Forest Subdivision has been added to the evacuations of Inlow Baptist Youth Camp and the closure of Forest Service Road 55. Currently there has been no loss of structures. Evacuated Residents are asked to report to the Estancia Community Center where the Red Cross has set up an evacuation center.

Torrance County Emergency Management Officials are urging anyone who has breathing problems (asthma, emphysema ect.) to move out of the area as a precaution. Cooler temperatures that we experience at night will cause smoke to settle in the valley.

Evacuations: Inlow Baptist Youth Camp
Sherwood Forest Subdivision

Closures: Forest Road 55 is currently closed to the public on both sides of the loop.

For further fire information please contact the Mountainair Ranger District at 505-847-2990.

###END###

Big Spring Fire – New Evacuations

Mountainair, NM – June 24, 2008 1:30 am: The Big Spring Fire is experiencing extreme fire behavior at this time. An evacuation of Sherwood Forest Subdivision as well as surrounding neighborhoods has been issued. All residents are urged to evacuate and report to the Red Cross Center located in the Estancia Community Center. The fire has more than doubled in size over the last 2 hours. At this time there is no confirmed acreage.

Evacuations: Inlow Baptist Youth Camp
Sherwood Forest Subdivision

Closures: Forest Road 55 is currently closed to the public on both sides of the loop.

For further fire information please contact the Mountainair Ranger District at 505-847-2990.

###END###

Evacuations Ordered on the Big Spring Fire

Evacuations Ordered on the Big Spring Fire

Mountainair, NM – June 24, 2008 8 pm: The Big Spring Fire was reported by the Capilla Peak Lookout at approximately 8am this morning. Crews responded to the area when at approximately 12pm the fire gained in strength. By 4 pm the Big Spring Fire had forced the evacuation of the Inlow Baptist Youth Camp as well as residents of FR 55 on the North side of the loop road. This fire is approximately 110 acres and continues to burn very actively in extremely heavy fuels on Forest Service land. A type 3 Incident Management team is currently working the fire with a Type 1 Incident Management Team transitioning tomorrow.

Forest Road 55 is currently closed to the public on both sides of the loop.

For further fire information please contact the Mountainair Ranger District at 505-847-2990.

###END###

Lightning Passes of the Manzano Mountains

Lightning Passes of the Manzano Mountains

Mountainair, NM – June 24, 2008: The Mountainair Ranger District had several fires spark up this morning following a lightning storm that passed through the area last night. All fires are less than ½ acre.

Fourth of July Fire: The first fire, the Fourth of July Fire, is burning approximately 2 miles north of Forest Road 55 and about ½ mile southeast of the Isleta Indian Reservation. There are currently 8 fire personnel on scene of this fire. Air attack assisted in the initial size-up of the fire then guided firefighters into the fire. One Single Engine Air Tanker dropped approximately 800 gallons of retardant on the fire to slow its progress as crews were in route to the fire. Crews are currently working on lining the perimeter of the fire.

Big Springs Fire: The second smoke report also came in this morning for the Big Spring area of the Manzano Mountains. One engine crew is currently gridding this area, but smoke has not been visible on this fire since early this morning. Crews will continue searching for this fire until it is found or the area has been deemed safe.

Trigo Fire: A third fire is reported and believed to also be a lightning strike within the Trigo Fire perimeter. The single tree is within the black area of the Trigo fire and not posing any threats at this time. Members of the Cibola SWFF Crew are on scene of this fire and will remain on scene until this smoke is extinguished.

For further fire information please contact the Mountainair Ranger District at 505-847-2990.

###END###

Happy Birthday Mrs. Phillips

JoAnn Phillips celebrated her 74th birthday on Saturday, June 20 with cake and Frito's at her home south of Mountainair. Happy Birthday JoAnn and many more!

Mountainair Places Fire Restrictions

NOTICE:

Pursuant to Chapter IV, Article 1, Section 11, of the code of Ordinances, Mountainair, New Mexico, 1977, and restrictions issued by the New Mexico State Forester, the Town of Mountainair is issuing restrictions on all open fires and smoking within the municipal boundaries.

These restrictions include, but are not limited to fireworks of any kind, the burning of trash, lumber, leaves, straw, or any other combustible material. Smoking is allowed only within an enclosed vehicle or building. Gas and charcoal grills are allowed, provided the devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.

High daytime temperatures, low humidity, lack of precipitation, and frequent windy days have caused the need for these restrictions to be imposed. These restrictions will take effect on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 8:00 am.

It is so dry, please comply!

For more information, please call City Hall at 847-2321