Carson National Forest Fires Updates

July 8, 2016

La Cañada Fire
Acres: 55 Containment: 50%
Cause: Under Investigation                        Start Date: July 6, 2016
Location: 4 miles NE of El Rito, NM          Vegetation: Grass, Brush and Ponderosa Pine

The La Cañada Fire, is located in the Vallecitos Federal Sustained Yield Unit, green fuel wood area. The fire perimeter was lined on Wednesday and all lines have held. Fire personnel are working to secure the line to a greater depth and expect to have the fire 100% contained by this evening. Fuels in the interior continue to burn and will produce visible smoke for the next few days. Smoke will be visible from El Rito, Vallecitos, and surrounding communities.

Independence Fire
Acres: 31 Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning                                   Start Date: July 4, 2016
Location: N of Lama Foundation         Vegetation: Oak Brush and Douglas Fir

The Independence Fire has grown to an estimated 31 acres. A more accurate acre count is expected today. The fire is located between the Lama Foundation and the Columbine/Hondo Wilderness Acres. Fire was not very active last night however the fire crossed two tenths of an acre into the private property yesterday.

Resources on the fire today include two engines, district fire personnel, Carson Hotshots, and Farmington BLM Type 2 crew. A helicopter will help with reconnaissance of the fire today and will conduct water drops to halt the fire’s further advance into private property. The helicopter is drawing water from Eagle Rock Lake and the public is discouraged from entering the Lake area until further notice.

Smoke will continue to be visible from La Lama, and Questa.

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, at the New Mexico Department of Health website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.