Sierra Fire – Lincoln County – 09/10/20 – First and Final Notification

A one-acre wildfire in the Ruidoso, NM area is producing a significant amount of smoke, which may linger for several days. The Sierra Fire was first reported just before 1:00 AM this morning at Sierra Contracting, a private business off of U.S. Highway 70 in Ruidoso Downs. Lightning started the fire, which is burning pinon, juniper, brush, and chip piles that could smolder for some time. No structures are threatened. Approximately 20 personnel are working to fully contain the fire. Smoke from burning woody debris may continue to impact the area for several days. Individuals who are sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at https://nmtracking.org/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html.

This will be the final update for this fire unless there are significant changes.

Incident Name: Sierra Fire

Start Date & Time: September 10, 2020 – 0048 hrs

Start Location: Ruidoso Downs, NM, Lincoln County

Latitude:  33.33983
 
Longitude:  -105.57409

Cause of Fire:  Lightning

Area Vegetation: Pinon, juniper, brush, chip piles

Estimated Acres Burned: 1

Ownership(s):  Private

Structures Threatened: NO

Structures Burned:  NO

Evacuations: NO

Wendy Mason
Wildfire Prevention & Communications Coordinator
EMNRD Forestry Division
wendy.mason@state.nm.us