Poso Fire Update – June 19, 2021 – A community meeting is planned for the Vallecitos residents at the Vallecitos Volunteer Fire Department, on Sunday June 20 at 1130 am.

Poso Fire Update – June 19, 2021

EL RITO, NM – June 19, 2021 – A community meeting is planned for the Vallecitos residents at the Vallecitos Volunteer Fire Department, on Sunday June 20 at 1130 am. The Type 3 Incident Management Team prepares to transition control of the incident to the local Type 4 Incident Commander as fire activity and smoke production decreases. The Carson National Forest began Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on June 16, 2021. Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal grills, and coal and wood stoves are allowed only in developed campsites or picnic areas with Forest Service-built fire rings or grills. Campfires are prohibited at all dispersed camping sites on the forest.  The order also prohibits welding, using an acetylene torch or operating any torch with an open flame within the boundaries of the Carson National Forest.

Start date:  May 29, 2021

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

Cause:  Lightning              Size:  2057 acres              Percent Completed:  45%

Resources:  1 hand crew, 2 Type 6 engines, 1 Type 3 helicopter, 1 dozer, 2 water tenders, 1 ambulance

Fuels:  Ponderosa pine and mixed conifer

Operations: Firefighting crews will focus on maintaining and securing the fire to ensure the fire stays within the established boundary.

Weather:  Mostly sunny in the morning, then partly cloudy, 30% chance of rain, maximum temperatures of 79 to 83, minimum humidity 20 to 24%, north winds 4 to 7 mph. Gusty and erratic winds expected near thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Values at risk: Vallecitos watershed, cultural and historical sites.

Smoke:  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.