Carson National Forest Rock Tank Fire Update

Taos, NM – A lightning-caused fire reported Wednesday, July 20, on the Tres Piedras Ranger District is currently at 55 acres. The Rock Tank Fire is located 2 miles south of US Highway 64 off of Forest Road 42, approximately 7 miles south and west of the community of Tres Piedras and is burning in grass and Ponderosa Pine.

The fire area received minimal precipitation yesterday. This morning a smoke inversion over the Tres Piedras community has lifted as temperatures begun to increase. All operations on the fire are normal and point protection firing operations will continue today. The fire is expected to grow to approximately 132 acres using this suppression strategy.

Fire will be contained away from adjacent parcels of private property located north of the fire. No structures are expected to be threatened by this fire.

Smoke output will increase and will be visible from Taos, Questa, Tres Piedras and surrounding communities. 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.