Lincoln NF – Pine Lodge Fire – Update June 28

Fire Activity and Weather: Yesterday the fire received less than expected precipitation. Virga was observed over the fire area. Virga looks like streaks of mist under dark clouds but the moisture evaporated before reaching the ground. Winds remain terrain driven throughout the Capitan Mountains, and fire activity was moderate with minimal rate of spread. Last night the fire received light precipitation which will reduce fire behavior in the early morning. Today, expect thunderstorm development over higher terrain with a small chance of rain. There have been lightning strikes in the Capitan Mountains over the past few days from the thunderstorms. The incident management team and local officials are actively monitoring the area for new fire starts. A new fire was identified near Summit repeater called the Summit Fire. Crews are monitoring that fire.

Operations: Firefighters are continuing to improve and secure the Seven Cabins Road by identifying and extinguishing hot spots along the fire line. Fire personnel accomplished mop-up operations from Lowe’s Ranch to the Eldridge House, contributing to the increase in containment. South of the Capitan Mountains, contingency lines are being identified and assessed while crews on the southeast side of the fire will be constructing containment lines to secure the fire’s edge.

Smoke: Expect some smoke to settle in the lower areas at night and in the early morning due to an occurrence known as a temperature inversion. Trapped smoke generally lifts after the sun rises and temperatures increase. For additional information go to NM Fire Information https://nmfireinfo.com/smokemanagement/.

Road Closures: NM State Road 246 from Capitan to Roswell continues to be closed (local access only). For status on road closures, citizens are encouraged to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department at (575) 648-2341.

Lincoln National Forest Closure: Highway 246 is closed from Capitan to Roswell. Local residents will be allowed to access their home or property. An area closure is in place for Capitan Mountains, east of Capitan Gap Road, until further notice. All trail systems and Forest Service roads within the closure area are closed to public use. West Mountain is open for recreation. The official closure information and map is posted on the Pine Lodge Fire InciWeb page.