April 25, 2017 
For Immediate Release: April 25, 2017
Contact: Lisa Collins, 505-285-4641 ext. 18, lisa_collins@nps.gov
Bandera Wildfire in El Malpais National Monument 50% Contained
As of 9:00 am this morning, April 25, the Bandera Fire had grown to approximately 300 acres and is 50% contained. Rain and snow has been falling since approximately 8:30 am. The precipitation is minimizing fire activity and aiding firefighters in containment efforts.
Superintendent Mitzi Frank stated “It took multiple local, state, and federal agencies successfully working together with a little help from Mother Nature to get this fire to the containment we are seeing today.”
During the peak of the fire there were 82 firefighters assigned, including two hotshot crews, and eight engines. Overnight the Mt. Taylor Hotshots worked containing spot fires while Bureau of Land Management firefighters patrolled the fire line.
The New Mexico State Forestry Division has assumed command of the fire and will continue to monitor it over the next several days.
The fire is located on state protected land and the northwest corner of El Malpais National Monument. The cause of the Bandera Fire is still under investigation. There have been no injuries as well as no private structures lost due to this wildfire.
Travelers may experience smoke and should be alert for fire vehicles in the area. For information on smoke and your health visit https://nmtracking.org/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html.
Wildfire season has arrived and there is no better time than the present to learn more about how you can prepare for wildfire at http://bit.ly/RSGNM.
This will be the final update unless significant changes occur. For more information about the Bandera Fire, contact Public Information Officer Lisa Collins at 505-285-4641, extension 18 or visit http://nmfireinfo.com.
Interactive Fire Map – https://maps.nwcg.gov/sa/
Fire Weather Forecast – http://www.weather.gov/abq/?n=forecasts-fireweather
NM Fire Info 
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