10K Fire on the Sandia Ranger District a.m. Update – June 13

Reported start date / time: June 12, 2023 / 1:30 p.m.

Cause: Under Investigation                                                      

Size: 3.5 Acres

Location: West of 10K Trail, North of NM Hwy 536 and East of Ellis Trailhead

Containment: 0% All fire lines are being reinforced today 

Fuels: Mixed Conifer                                                               Fire behavior: Low

Closures: Vehicle and foot traffic is strongly discouraged on NM 536 (Sandia Crest Highway), 10K and Ellis Trails

Weather: Temperature 64-69○ Relative Humidity 16-21% Wind 15-25mph  https://www.weather.gov/

Resources on scene: 2 Helicopters, Cibola National Forest Personnel including Sandia Ranger District, Mt. Taylor Hotshots, Payette NF Severity Engine, NM State Police

Values at risk: Communication towers on the Sandia Crest as well as numerous Forest Service Infrastructure.  At this time, the fire is not a threat to any communities, and there are no evacuations in effect.

Strategy: The strategy for the 10K Fire is full suppression. Firefighters will work today to secure all fire lines and spots.  They will use water support from helicopters as needed. Snagging will be performed in the area to mitigate falling snag hazard.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should stay away from 10K Fire operations. NM Hwy 536 (Sandia Crest Hwy), 10K Trail and Ellis Trail may be impacted by fire traffic and operations.

Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”

Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Tijeras, Edgewood, Moriarty and Albuquerque within a 50 mile radius of the 10K Fire. Smoke-sensitive individuals are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website nmtracking.org

All fire updates will be posted on the  Cibola NF & NGs website, New Mexico Fire Information website, and the Cibola NF & NGs Facebook  & Twitter pages.

For more information on the 10K Fire contact:

Sandia Ranger District Office: 505-281-3304

Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505-346-3900