Dog Head Fire June 20th AM Daily Update

Firefighters Continue Aggressive Suppression Operations

DOG HEAD FIRE UPDATE – 6/20/2016, 8:00 A.M.

Acres: 17,944  based on infrared flight                                  Containment: 9%

Cause: Under Investigation                                                    Start Date:  June 14, 2016

Jurisdiction:  Cibola National Forest, NM State Forestry, Southern Pueblo Agency/BIA, BLM

Location:  6 miles NW of Tajique, NM

Vegetation:  Heavy fuels, dead and down timber, ponderosa pine stands

Damage Assessment: 24 single residences and 21 other minor structures

Total Personnel:  923

UPCOMING COMMUNITY MEETINGS

TONIGHT ****Location Change****

UPDATE: This evening’s Public meeting will now be held at:
7:00 PM – Moriarty Civic Center
202 South Broadway Moriarty, NM

TUESDAY

Roosevelt Middle School

11799 South Highway 14, Tijeras, NM

starting at 4:30 p.m.

Today, firefighters will continue to patrol and hold fireline around the fire’s entire perimeter, as well as mopping up and securing critical areas. Crews will also be constructing contingency lines on the northwest side of the fire.

There was good overnight humidity recovery in the fire area last night, which will delay the burn period today. However, as temperatures warm and vegetation dries out, pockets of heat may become more active in the afternoon.

The east side of the fire is expected to be the most active.  When wind, topography, and fuels line up, there is the potential for increased fire behavior. With today’s southeast winds, most of the push on the east side of the fire will be back into the black. However with the many long fingers of fire in this area, firefighters will be watching for small isolated areas that line up with the winds that could make westward runs.  Single and group tree torching will continue in this area.

On the southwest side of the fire, variable winds are expected this morning. However, winds from the east in the afternoon may push the fire to the west. On the west side of the fire, easterly winds will prevail, testing the fireline. However, as mop-up strengthens the fireline, the likelihood of spotting diminishes. On the northeast side of the fire southeast winds will test the work completed along the lines.  Fire crews will remain vigilant, watching for potential spotting across the line with gusty afternoon winds, as new spots are expected to burn aggressively and grow quickly, especially late in the day.

The strategy for this fire is full suppression. Incident objectives include providing for the safety of firefighters and the public, while protecting values at risk.

Smoke sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures.  Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.

Additional fire information, maps, and photos are available on: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov, http://nmfireinfo.com, http://facebook.com/dogheadfire/, and http://twitter.com/dogheadfireinfo.