Final Update on Lightning Starts in the Manzano Mountains
by Arlene T. Perea, Mountainair Ranger District
Mountainair, NM – June 4, 2013, 12:00pm: Three (3) of the four fires that were found in the Manzano Mountains after Sundays Lightning Storm have now been extinguished. Eight (8) Smokejumpers remain and are mopping up hotspots on the Pack Trail Fire in the Manzano Wilderness, but expect to have it contained and controlled this evening or tomorrow morning.
No additional fires have been detected at this time but fire personnel are fully aware of the possibility of “sleepers” that may lay low for several days before becoming visible as humidity and moisture levels continue to drop.
Extra severity crews and Engines remain on the Mountainair Ranger District and will continue patrolling both the Manzano and Gallinas Mountains in the next few days. There will be a total of 6 engines today and 5 engines tomorrow on the district. In addition to the extra engines, the 20 person Ruby Mountain Hot Shot Crew is on the district for additional hand crew support.
“We are so appreciative of all the support that the fire fighters (ours and visitors) and the Ranger District are receiving throughout the community” said Karen Lessard, Mountainair District Ranger.
This will be the final update on the lightning fires sparked up after Sunday’s storm unless other fires are detected in the next few days. Thanks for your patience during a very tense couple of days.
All public is asked to use extreme caution when visiting the National Forest. Please be aware, the Mountainair Ranger District will be going into Stage 3, Partial Forest Closure on Monday, June 10. For more information call Arlene Perea or the Mountainair Ranger District at 505-847-2990.