SFNF – Sarca Fire Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sarca Fire UPDATE

Start Date: July 7

Cause: Lightning

Size: 178 acres

Location: Agua Sarca drainage area of the Pecos Wilderness – Santa Fe National Forest

Containment: 60%

Fuel: ponderosa pine and other mixed conifer

Resources: Monitoring from the ground

Weather: 60% chance rain tonight and 70% tomorrow with possible lightning

Situation: Fire behavior is minimal. Firefighters were able to walk the perimeter of the fire and put check lines in place to reduce forward movement of the fire, which is in a northerly direction. Due to the combination of the fire being inside the Pecos wilderness area, the steep and rocky terrain, and forecasted significant rains over the next 24 hours, fire managers will continue to monitor the fire. Smoke will be visible along State Hwy 84/285 corridor, Espanola, Pojoaque, and Tesuque areas.

Smoke/Air Quality: Smoke impact from the Sarca Fire to local communities at this time is minimal, 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 https://www.santafefireshed.org/hepa-filter-loan-program/.

Fire Information: Fire updates are posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website at nmfireinfo.com and on Twitter @SantaFeNF and www.facebook.com/SantaFeNF. For more information, contact the Espanola Ranger District at (505) 753-7331.

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