UPDATE: Ironworks Fire – Valencia County – 03/08/19 – 5:45 p.m.

The Ironworks Fire in Los Chavez, NM, Valencia County remains estimated between 75-150 acres and 0% contained. Firefighters are mopping up hotspots, mitigating hazard trees and looking for areas of potential spread. Resources will work on containment throughout the night. Highway 47 will stay closed in the Tome/Rio Communities area until further notice. Approximately 120 structures remain threatened and evacuations are still in place. Wind speeds are currently 15-20 miles per hour with gusts to 45 MPH. 

The fire started March 7, 2019 on the west side of the Rio Grande on private land. High winds then pushed the fire to the east side of the river. At least two homes have burned along with at least 7 outbuildings and 6 recreational vehicles. The Red Cross has set up a shelter for displaced residents at the Del Rio Senior Center in Rio Communities. The cause remains under investigation.

Incident Name: Ironworks Fire

Start Date & Time: March 7, 2019 – 1545

Start Location: Valencia County, Los Chavez area

Cause of Fire:  Unknown

Area Vegetation: Bosque, grass, brush

Acres Burned: 75-150 acres

Ownership(s):  Private

Structures Threatened:  Yes

Structures Burned:  Yes

Evacuations (Y or N & #): Y

Photos: NM State Forestry – The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department helicopter provided water drops earlier today (03/08) on the Ironworks Fire. We appreciate their efforts along with the multiple local, state and federal partners involved in the suppression of this fire. 

Wendy Mason
Wildfire Prevention & Communications Coordinator
NM State Forestry Division
Wendy.Mason@state.nm.us