Able Fire Update: August 23, 2020. Lincoln National Forest, Sacramento Ranger District

Incident Name – Able Fire

Jurisdiction: Lincoln National Forest, Sacramento Ranger District

Size: 8 acres

Cause: Lightning

Date/Time Detected: August 18, 2020 

Location: Scott Able Canyon, New Mexico

Lat/Long: Example 32°42’56.0″N/105°43’53.0″W

Firefighting Resources: 1 Type-6 Engine,1 hand crew and fire support

Fuel Type:  Grass, pine and juniper forest

Values at Risk: None

Fire Update: Conditions on the Able Fire are winding down as firefighters reinforce the perimeter of the fire. Today the firefighters’ priority is to work in the steepest area to minimize the threat of rolling, burning debris. Rolling logs in steep terrain can increase personnel exposure and bring fire into areas that are hard to access safely.

Crews are shuttling water and walking in a grid-like pattern patrolling for hot spots that could carry the fire outside the fireline. Areas of heat exist in the interior where heavy fuels and stumps are still burning and producing smoke. The Forest Service asks that the public avoid recreating in this area until further notice.

Smoke and Weather Conditions: Interior smoke will be visible. Today’s weather is partly cloudy with a high 78° F and a 15 percent chance of evening showers. Winds are variable.

More Information: Fire updates will occur every day until no longer needed. Information is also posted on NM Fire Information: www.nmfireinfo.com.

Please visit the NM Department of Health’s smoke page for information on protecting your health during fires and on smoky days:  https://nmtracking.org/fire.

PIO: Thomas Schafer, 575-937-4649 tschafer87@yahoo.com