Poso Fire Update – June 16, 2021 – The Poso Fire continues to be managed for multiple resource objectives.

Poso Fire Update – June 16, 2021

EL RITO, NM – June 16, 2021 – The Poso Fire continues to be managed for multiple resource objectives – removing hazardous fuels, decreasing the probability of high severity wildfires in the future, and reducing exposure to firefighters and communities. Predicted thunderstorms dropped rain in areas around the fire but did not impact the fire footprint in general. Despite overall smoke accumulation significantly reduced from the past two days, smoke from the Poso Fire combined with regional smoke from other fires might make for continued smoky conditions over the next several days. In light of the smoky conditions, requested HEPA filters were delivered to residents in Vallecitos, and five additional HEPA filters are available at the El Rito Ranger Station. Wildfire smoke can reduce visibility on roadways and people should drive with increased care in low-visibility conditions. Those in need can call 575-581-4554. Visit https://fire.airnow.gov/ to see data from our air quality monitors.

Start date:  May 29, 2021

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

Cause:  Lightning         Size:  1900 acres          Percent Completed:  24%

Resources:  2 hand crews, 1 wildland fire module, 3 Type 6 engines, 1 Type 3 helicopter, 1 dozer, 2 water tenders, 1 ambulance, 1 Rapid Extraction Module (REM) Team, 1 unmanned aerial system (drone)

Fuels:  Ponderosa pine and mixed conifer

Operations: Firefighting crews finished burn operations in the northeast corner of the fire and will be maintaining watch of this area over upcoming days to make sure the fire stays within the established boundaries. Focus will now move to the west side of the planned boundary. Operations will continue to promote the objectives of reducing hazardous fuels, reducing future risk of wildfire, and reducing exposures.

Weather:  A sunny morning will become slightly cloudy in the afternoon with a chance of rain showers and thunderstorms. Above normal highs up to 81-85 degrees will couple with uncharacteristically light winds with possibly erratic wind gusts in the afternoon.

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. For information on air quality and protecting your health, please visit https://nmtracking.org/fire. 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 24-Hour 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.