Los Charcos Fire Operations Focus on Community Protection

May 23, 2020 Update

Isleta Pueblo – For Immediate Release – The human caused Los Charcos Fire on tribal and private land has grown to approximately 90 acres and is located south of the Isleta Pueblo between Highway 314 and the Upper Peralta Riverside Drain, straddling the Rio Grande River. The incident was first reported on 5/21/2020 around 5:00 pm. The Albuquerque Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the incident on 5/22/2020 at 6:00 pm. A Type 3 helicopter and multiple wildland fire engines were used to apply water to the fire during the initial attack stage. Hand crews and dozers are being used to establish containment lines. Crews working the fire on the west side of the Rio Grande River are holding containment lines and conducting mop-up. Fire activity is higher on the east side of the river, where the majority of assigned resources is concentrating on containment lines and protecting the community to the east.

Weather: Today expected to be sunny, slightly warmer conditions than on Friday, with temperatures in the mid- to upper-80s. Winds expected to be moderate with gusts to 35 mph possible. Low relative humidity across much of the state.

Safety: Smoke levels are light near the fire and in the surrounding area. Members of the public are advised to remain at a safe distance from active fire operations to allow for passage of emergency vehicles and safety of wildland firefighters.

Closures and Restrictions: A temporary flight restriction has been ordered, is in effect over the fire area, and remains in place until further notice. This restriction includes drones or unmanned aerial vehicles. Please remember that “If you fly, we can’t!” The Pueblo of Isleta is currently closed to non-residents. The public is reminded that the Pueblo of Isleta is under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions due to extreme fire danger.

Smoke may be a health concern for children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and those suffering from allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities, or other heart or lung diseases. To reduce exposure to smoke, stay indoors as much as possible with windows, doors, and vents closed. Avoid or limit physical activities outdoors.

Information on health impacts from smoke can be found by calling the New Mexico Department of Health at 1-888-878-8992 or by visiting https://nmtracking.org/fire.

Fire Information:

Phone: (505) 933-5682     Email: 2020.LosCharcos@firenet.gov

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6714/

Facebook: Albuquerque Zone T3 Incident Management Team: https://www.facebook.com/ABQ-Zone-T3-IMT-467168303377680/

BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Southern Pueblos Agency: https://www.facebook.com/SPAFireMgt/

Fire Statistics

Location: Isleta Pueblo
Date Reported: May 21, 2020
Cause: Human
Size: 90 acres
Percent Contained: 80%
Fuel: Bosque riparian 
Resources assigned: 1 Type 3 Incident Management Team, 1 Type 4 Engine,
7 Type 6 Engines, 2 Dozers, 1 Interagency Hotshot Crew, 
2 Wildland Fire Modules, 110 Total personnel

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