Amole Fire to Benefit Forest Ecosystem

Date detected: September 2 Cause: Lightning
Location: Carson NF, Camino Real RD, between the Amole Group Shelter and FR 442
Size: approximately 7 acres
Fire behavior: creeping
Vegetation: ponderosa pine, mixed conifer
Resources: 2 crews, 2 engines, 1 wildland fire module

Taos, NM – Sept. 5, 2019 – Today, crews will continue prepping control lines to protect values at risk for firing operations that could begin within the next 24 to 48 hours, and may continue through the weekend. Given current conditions and the location of the fire, fire managers will be using the Amole Fire to bring positive benefits to the landscape, including removing the dead and down fuels that have accumulated on the forest floor. The Carson National Forest will be managing the lightning-caused Amole Fire on the Camino Real Ranger District within a 2,123 acre focus area, reducing dense forest fuels and improving overall ecosystem health. Removing these fuels will lessen the potential for future severe wildfires along Highway 518 and further protect high voltage transmission and fiber optic lines that service the Taos and Peñasco area.

As the fire continues to grow, smoke is likely to become more visible over the coming days as the fire spreads within the defined planning area. Smoke and flames will be visible from Highway 518. Smoke may also be visible from Peñasco and the Taos area. Smoke may impact Highway 518, Peñasco and possibly drift into Taos, especially in the evenings. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with heart or respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. For information on air quality and protecting your health, please visit https://nmtracking.org/fire. For information on the HEPA filter loan program, go to https://facnm.org/smoke#smokeanchor5.

Fire managers ask local commuters to be cautious driving through Highway 518 as fire traffic and firefighters will be working along the road way.

Members of the public are welcome to call the Camino Real Ranger District for additional information at 575-587-2255, or visit the district office at 15160 State Rd. 75. Peñasco, NM.

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