SFNF – Aragon Fire Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aragon Fire UPDATE

Start Date: July 12

Cause: Lightning

Size: 400 acres

Location: Cuba Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest

Containment: 5%

Fuel: Ponderosa Pine

Weather: Sunny skies currently, 10 to 30% chance for precip tomorrow

Resources: 1 engine, 4 utility vehicles, 16 personnel

Situation: The fire is in a remote location East of Gallina Peak and West of the Rio Chama Wilderness in the Aragon Spring Area. Fire behavior is low to moderate. Current fire behavior is favorable to improve forest health. Fire managers continue to monitor the area. Natural barriers such as rock outcrops and the Rio Chama act as control lines to limit fire spread. A break in monsoonal moisture is allowing fire managers to monitor an 820-acre area to reduce future high-intensity wildfire risk, and improve forest health and habitat diversity. Control lines to the north, west and south continue to hold. Fire backing down toward Rio Chama, which is natural barrier to the east. Smoke may be visible from 112 south of El Vado Dam.

Smoke/Air Quality: Smoke impact to local communities remains low, however, smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease should be prepared to exercise 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 on the HEPA filter loan program, go to http://www.santafefireshed.org/hepa-filter-loan-program/.

Fire updates are posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com and on Twitter @SantaFeNF, and www.facebook.com/SantaFeNF. For more information, contact the Cuba Ranger District at (575) 289-3264.

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