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