Final Cajete Fire Update

Aftermath of the Cajete Fire in the Jemez. Photo by David Ponton/wildearthlight.com

SFNF News:

This will be the final update issued on the Cajete Fire winding down in the Jemez.

Under the leadership of Type 3 Incident Commander Matt Armantrout, firefighters today are mopping-up hot spots, gridding for residual heat and addressing fire suppression repair needs, including removing hazardous trees along N.M. 4.

Crews and overhead personnel are being demobilized and re-assigned to other incidents. Command of the Cajete Fire will transition Tuesday to a Type 4 organization and the Jemez Ranger District.

Isolated smoke may be visible as concentrations of heavy fuels smolder within the fire perimeter, though no further fire growth is anticipated. Hot and dry conditions persist, with a chance of rain and thunderstorm activity possible for the fire area.

Start Date: June 15, 2017

Cause: Abandoned campfire

Size: 1,412 acres Containment: 96 percent

Vegetation: Mostly ponderosa pine with some mixed conifer and aspen on north facing slopes.

Resources Assigned: 120 personnel, 1 Type 3 helicopter

Closures, Restrictions, and Safety: Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect, and the burned area remains closed to the public due to hazardous conditions. Motorists are urged to be aware of firefighters and equipment in transit along Highway 4. Gusting winds may cause hazard trees to fall unexpectedly

The 2017 Racing Southwest Jemez Cruise road rally is in Jemez Springs Sunday and heavy traffic is expected as participants tour the Jemez Valley and the N.M.y 4 corridor.

Fireworks are prohibited within Santa Fe National Forest. Visitors are urged to follow campfire safety procedures to prevent wildfires and ensure public safety. Campfires are allowed only in established campground fire rings. All fires must be fully extinguished prior to leaving the area. If you discover an unattended campfire, use 911 to report it, and do what you can to put it out.

Access to Area Attractions: All businesses and recreation sites in and around Jemez Springs are open. The Valles Caldera National Preserve is open. A segment of the Las Conchas Trail (#137) remains closed between the last bridge coming from the Las Conchas Trailhead (before the trail ascends) and the East Fork Trailhead. The Gilman Tunnels are closed for repair.

Fire Information: Please visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at nmfireinfo.com and on Twitter @SantaFeNF. Future fire information inquiries may be directed to Santa Fe National Forest Acting Public Affairs Officer Julie Anne Overton at 505.438.5320 or julieanneoverton@fs.fed.us.

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