Poso Fire Update – June 10, 2021: The Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the Poso Fire at 9:00 pm June 9th.

EL RITO, NM – June 10, 2021 – The Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the Poso Fire at 9:00 pm June 9^th.  Fire managers intend to manage this lightning caused wildfire to meet multiple resource objectives. Some of which are, returning natural fire into the eco-system to promote forest health, reduce hazardous fuels to reduce the risk of severe wildfires, and limit firefighter exposure.  

Start date:  May 29, 2021 

Location:  Carson NF, El Rito Ranger District, 10 miles north of El Rito, adjacent to FR123 

Cause:  Lightning Size:  175 acres  Percent Contained:  0% 

Resources:  2 hand crews, 1 wildland fire module, 3 Type 6 engines, 1 Type 3 helicopter, 1 dozer, 1 masticator, 1 grader, 1 unmanned area system (drone) 

Fuels:  Ponderosa pine and mixed conifer  

Operations: Over the next several days, the team will prepare containment lines around the Poso Fire management area and make provisions for possible firing operations later in the day. The fire is the result of a lightning strike approximately 10 miles north of the community of El Rito, New Mexico. The presence of previous moisture and environmental conditions will allow natural wildfire to burn for the benefit of the forest. This fire is being conducted in a highly strategic manner with multiple objectives. The areas that this natural fire is being allowed to burn has been pre-identified by fire managers. All considerations for firefighter and public safety as well as forest health benefit have been taken and planned for. 

Weather: Mostly sunny with 0% chance of rain, maximum temperatures of 77 to 81 degrees, minimum humidity 6 to 10%, winds out of the southwest at 5 to 8 mph. 

Values at risk: Vallecitos watershed, cultural and historical sites 

Smoke: As fire increases in size and firing operations commence, smoke may be visible from the communities of Abiquiu, Canjilon, Cañon Plaza, Vallecitos, La Madera, El Rito, Ojo Caliente, Petaca, Las Tablas and Tres Piedras which may continue to show for several days. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with heart or respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. For information on air quality and protecting your health, please visit https://nmtracking.org/fire.   

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. For information on the HEPA filter loan program, go to https://facnm.org/smoke/ or contact the El Rito Ranger District 575-581-4554.  

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire. Unauthorized use of unmanned aircraft (also known as “drones”) in a fire area endangers the lives of pilots and firefighters and is strictly forbidden. Never fly unmanned aircraft over or near a wildfire whether there is a TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) in effect or not. Visit https://www.nifc.gov/drones and Know Before You Go for more information on drones and wildfires. 

Fire updates will be posted on the Carson NF Website, New Mexico Fire Information website, Inciweb and on the Carson Facebook and Twitter.