Firing Operations Continue on Cuerno Fire

Sept. 2, 2016

Location:  13 miles southeast of Coyote and                         Size:  140 acres          
   10 miles southwest of Abiquiu
on top of La Mesita del Cañoncito Seco

Start Date:  Aug. 1, 2016                                                       Structures Threatened:  None

Cause:  Lightning                                                                    Percent Contained:  0%

Objectives:  Mitigate the risk of future high-intensity destructive wildfires that could potentially devastate the watershed and cause flooding in the village of Cañones, improve forest health and promote the growth of grasses and shrubs that provide habitat for game and non-game species.

Summary:  The Cuerno Fire continues to slowly consume ground fuels and large woody debris.  Fire crews remain camped out near the perimeter.  Additional resources have arrived, bringing the total number of personnel assigned to eight.  The fire remains on top of the mesa and is now south of all the structures in the Cañones Creek drainage.  Acreage will continue to be divided into small daily increments to minimize smoke impacts on the surrounding communities.

Smoke:  Smoke from the Cuerno Fire may be visible from Coyote, Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch, State Highway 96 and US Highway 84.  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’s website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.

For information about the Cuerno Fire contact the Coyote Ranger District at 575-638-5526.  Updates will also be available on the New Mexico Fire Information website at nmfireinfo.com, @SantaFeNF and www.facebook.com/SantaFeNF.

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