BLM Las Cruces District – Uvas Fire – June 9th Evening Update

Location:  Uvas Mountains on BLM Land, approximately 11 miles SW of Hatch, NM and 18 miles N of Interstate 10 between Deming and Las Cruces, NM.

Date detected:  June 6, 2020  Cause:  Lightning   Vegetation:  Grass, Brush, Pinon, Juniper

Current size:  Estimated 1,130 acres

Percent contained:  30%

Summary: The Uvas Fire was started by lightning from a thunderstorm that moved over the southern portion of New Mexico on the evening of June 5^th. The fire was detected the next day, as smoke became very visible from Hatch and travelers along I-10, and I-25. An aerial reconnaissance flight was conducted as BLM fire engines mobilized to the area.

When first detected, the fire was burning along the top of the mountain range at an elevation of 6500 ft., surrounded by steep, rugged

Steep, rugged, rocky terrain on the Uvas Fire

terrain.

Resources: 4 Engines with 14 firefighters plus 10 additional firefighting personnel.

Today: Crews made excellent progress as they worked to secure the entire 10-mile perimeter on the steep, rugged and rocky terrain of the Uvas Fire. Due to today’s cooler temperatures and milder winds, fire behavior was described as “moderate.” Shrubs and brush were mostly smoldering, while the fire made “short runs” through areas with patches of tall, continuous grass.

Although smoke impacts from the fire have lessened significantly, light smoke may still be visible from:  Hatch, Las Cruces and surrounding areas, as well as I-10 (between Deming and Las Cruces) and I-25 (south of T or C).

Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority on the Uvas Fire.

• Uvas Fire Update 060920 – PM
• Uvas Fire – Public Info Map 060920
• Uvas Fire Information phone line:  575-525-4360