Luna Fire Update: 10/27/2020

Incident Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7246 

New Mexico Fire Information: nmfireinfo.com

Public Information Line: 575-377-4263

Incident Email: 2020.Luna@firenet.gov

Incident information

Start Date: October 17, 2020      Acreage: 10,142       Injuries: 0
Location:  2 miles North of Chacon      Percent Contained: 27 %       Structures Threatened: 0
Cause: Under Investigation     Full Containment: 11/10/2020       Structures Destroyed:  0

Resources

Hand Crews: 1       Dozers: 2        Air Tankers:  Available as needed
Engines: 0    Helicopters: 0

Total Personnel: 164

Current Situation: Yesterday, we had winter storm conditions over the fire area with 3-6 inches of snowfall.  Fire personnel attempted to access the slop-over in Luna Canyon but felt it wasn’t safe to engage firefighters in the area.  Today, the fire will continue to smolder under a blanket of snow but isn’t expected to increase in size.  For the safety of the firefighters, which are mostly local crews, they have been released to be with their families and rest.  Once the weather changes in 3-5 days, officials from the Carson National Forest and New Mexico State Forestry will reassess fire conditions and determine how to re-engage firefighters to contain the Luna Fire.

Weather: A winter storm warning has been extended through Wednesday evening.  Snow is expected to continue today with new accumulations of 2-4 inches. Temperatures will range from 15-25 degrees, wind chill values as low as 5-15 degrees.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect on the Carson National Forest to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires. For more information visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices.

Road Closures/Evacuation Order: As of today, October 27, 2020, all road closures and road blocks have been lifted on County and State Roads.  The Voluntary Evacuation for Luna Canyon has also been lifted.

Fire Closures: The Carson National Forest issued a temporary closure (Forest Order 02-484) prohibiting the public from entering the area around the Luna Fire, including all National Forest System Lands, roads and trails affected by the fire. This closure includes access for hunting. For more information on the fire closure visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices.  A Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire remains in place.

Smoke Outlook:  Smoke from smoldering vegetation on the Luna Fire is not expected to impact surrounding communities.  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.

Safety Message: Snow will make driving conditions unsafe today. If you have to drive, please slow down and be aware of changing conditions. For New Mexico road information dial 511.

Cooperating Agencies: Picuris Pueblo, Taos Pueblo, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Sandia Pueblo, Sierra Bonita Rincon Fire Department, State of New Mexico County Fire Administrator, Angel Fire Department, Colfax County Fire, Colfax County Emergency Operations Manager, Taos County Fire, Village of Chacon, Kit Carson Electric Co-Op, Mora County Sheriff, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Livestock Inspector, Colfax County Sheriff, Taos County Sheriff, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Angel Fire Police, New Mexico Department of Transportation, Tri-State Electric, Mora-San Miguel Electric Co-Op.