Priest Canyon Fire – Original Release And Update

by Arlene Perea, U.S. Forest Service Mountainair Ranger District

MOUNTAINAIR, NM., April 30, 2011- Update #2– Mountainair fire crews as well as NM State Work Camp and Southern Pueblo Agency crews worked hard on lining the Priest Canyon fire today.  Weather was a big factor in establishing a fireline around the fire as winds were lighter than originally forecast.  The 2.5 acre Priest Canyon Fire is now 80% contained.  Crews will continue work until sundown in this steep, rocky area, then resume mop-up in the morning.

For further information please contact the Mountainair Ranger District at 505-847-2990.

MOUNTAINAIR, NM., April 30, 2011– Mountainair Ranger District Employees are currently suppressing a fire on and around the Pine Shadows Trail in the Manzano Mountain Wilderness on the southern end of the Manzano Mountains.  The Priest Canyon fire was reported late last night by Torrance County Dispatch.  Torreon Volunteer Fire Department monitored the fire overnight while crews mobilized for the early morning hike.  The fire is currently approximately 2 acres with creeping and occasional single tree torching fire behavior observed.

There are currently 2 engine modules (8 firefighters) on scene from the Mountainair Ranger District with 1 Type 2 hand crew, 1 NM State Forestry Inmate Work Camp Crew and 1 Type 1 Incident Hot Shot crew on order or in route.  Air resources are currently on stand-by to respond if needed.  The cause of this fire is undetermined at this time but will be investigated.

For further information please contact the Mountainair Ranger District at 505-847-2990.

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