SFNF – Penasco Fire Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Penasco Fire Update

Start Date: August 8

Cause: Lightning

Size: 12 acres

Location: Coyote Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest

Containment: 0%

Fuels: Ponderosa pine and mixed conifer

Weather: Partly cloudy, light winds

Resources: 0

Situation: The Penasco Fire is in the Rio Chama Wilderness near the 2017 Ojitos Fire burn scar and is one quarter of a mile from the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). Due to the fire’s proximity, Santa Fe National Forest officials urge the public to remain on the trail and proceed with caution if traveling along CDT #813 from the Ojitos Trailhead at Scull Bridge on the Chama River to the CDT crossing at Forest Road 468, known locally as Ojitos Trail #298. 

 Forecasted rains through Monday may be good for firefighting, but could also be for floods. Due to safety concerns associated with steep, rugged terrain, no resources are committed at this time except to monitor the fire. Smoke may be visible from State Hwy 96, State Hwy 112, the Chama River and Coyote.                                                                      

Smoke/Air Quality: Smoke impact is minimal. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease may 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, on Twitter @SantaFeNF, and http://www.facebook.com/SantaFeNF.

For more information, contact the Coyote Ranger District at (575) 638-5526.

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