SFNF – Bales Fire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bales Fire

Start Date: Smoke reported September 14

Cause: Lightning

Size: 10-15 acres

Location: Cuba Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest

Containment: 0%

Fuels: Mixed conifer, dead and down

Weather: Sunny, winds out of southwest 5-10 mph

Resources: 18 personnel

Situation: The Bales Fire is in the Bales Canyon area along Forest Road 534 approximately two and one half miles southwest of the Chaparral Girl Scout Camp on the Cuba Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest. The fire is moderate and burning on the ground with some tree torching. Firefighters are directly suppressing the fire. Resources on scene include one hot shot crew, one dozer, and one helicopter. Smoke may be visible from Hwy 550 and Cuba.

Smoke/Air Quality: Smoke impact is low. 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, on Twitter @SantaFeNF, and http://www.facebook.com/SantaFeNF.

For more information, contact the Cuba Ranger District at 575.289.3264.

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