Naranjo Fire July 8 Update; Community Meeting Tonight

Community Meeting Tonight at 6 p.m.
Regina Fire Department

Start date: July 1, 2019

Cause: Lightning

Size: 24 acres

Location: Cuba Ranger District on the Santa Fe National Forest approximately 2 miles southeast of Regina, NM, off of NM State Highway 96

Containment: 0%

Fuel: Ponderosa pine

Weather: Mostly cloudy early with isolated showers, becoming mostly sunny by late morning. Temperatures will be between 77-81 degrees, with winds from the west at 6-10 miles per hour (mph) by early afternoon and gusting to near 15 mph by late afternoon.  Humidity is 14-18%.

Resources on scene: Type 3 organization, 101 personnel, one type 1 crew, two type 2IA crews, one type 3 engine, two dozers, one type 3 helicopter, four UTVs and two ATVs

Situation:  Yesterday, fire crews completed building containment lines around the fire area using bulldozers, and the fire grew by 4 acres. Fire behavior continues to be low to moderate with flame lengths between 6 inches to 1 foot.

Today, firefighters will start firing operations on the southeastern side of the fire to strengthen containment lines. Smoke will be visible from US Highway 550, NM Highway 96, and the communities of Cuba, Regina and La Jara.

Fire managers will manage the Naranjo Fire to achieve multiple resource benefits, including improved forest health, reduced fuel loadings and improved wildlife habitat for elk and deer. Naturally occurring fires like the Naranjo Fire that burn with lower intensity under favorable conditions help reintroduce fire to fire-dependent forest ecosystems.

Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health by using the 5-3-1 visibility method can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website at https://nmtracking.org/fire. People with health concerns can also call NMDOH at 505-827-0006 for additional information.  For information on the HEPA filter loan program, go to https://facnm.org/smoke#smokeanchor5.

Fire updates are posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com, www.facebook.com/SantaFeNF and Twitter @SantafeNF.  For additional information about the prescribed burn, please contact the Cuba Ranger District at 575-289-3264.

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