Carson National Forest Bonita Wildfire Update 06/14/2017

El Rito, NM, June 14, 2017—For Immediate Release. Fire operations today focused on reinforcing portions of the containment lines along Forest Road 42F on the north flank of the fire and Forest Road 42 along the east flank of the fire. Hand ignitions were used to remove fuel from the fire and secure the line along these roads.  Aerial ignitions may be used on the interior of the fire tomorrow to further reduce fuels and clean up the understory. Weather conditions will be monitored to determine the best opportunity for this work to proceed.

A wildfire typically becomes more active in the afternoon hours after the sun has been able to pre heat the fuels and lower the humidity. The afternoon hours are when columns of smoke are most visible.  Smoke typically lies down in drainages and low lying areas in the overnight hours.

A closure order for those lands located within the boundaries of the Bonita Fire Area remains in effect until further notice. For information regarding the forest closure contact the El Rito Ranger District at (575) 581-4554.

The area within Forest roads 42, 42F and 274 is closed due to the proximity of the fire and heavy fire traffic.

The Continental Divide Trail is not within the closure area. Hikers, bicyclists and recreationists are advised that smoke may impact the area and create breathing difficulties.

People with respiratory problems and smoke-sensitive individuals are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Smoke may be visible from the communities of Tres Piedras, Ojo Caliente, Cañon Plaza, Vallecitos, La Madera, and El Rito.  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. The American Red Cross can be contacted at (505) 265-8514 for smoke related health concerns.

For fire information, please call the Bonita Fire Information Line at (575) 758-6345 from 8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., or visit Inciweb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5235/, Carson National Forest Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNF or Twitter @CarsonNF.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender