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####