New Mexico State Police has closed N.M. 4 at mile marker 30 and mile marker 50, where it intersects with West Jemez (back gate) due to the Cerro Pelado Fire burning in the Jemez Mountains. Courtesy/LANL
Cerro Pelado Fire Update:
- Given that winds are lighter than expected this morning, helicopters have started bucket drops of water on the fire. Local wind conditions will determine if firefighting aircraft can continue to provide support.
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos County and National Nuclear Security Administration’s Los Alamos Field Office issued the following update this morning to the community on the status of the Cerro Pelado Fire burning in Jemez Mountains:
As of 9:45 a.m. today, April 23, the Cerro Pelado Fire burning in the Jemez Mountains is still not an immediate threat to Los Alamos County or Los Alamos National Laboratory. Cooler temperatures, higher-than-normal humidity and lighter winds overnight appear to have slowed the fire’s spread.
Although the conditions have improved, a red flag warning is still in effect, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, which means firefighting aircraft cannot fly, and winds in the afternoon are expected to gust up to 55 mph, so continued vigilance is critical. Residents in the area were evacuated last night.
The fire is 10-11 miles from the Laboratory’s southwestern boundary. Thirty-nine personnel are on scene, including 10 LAFD firefighters to protect the structures and homes in area.
N.M. 4 at mile marker 30 and mile marker 50, where it intersects with West Jemez (or the “back gate”), continues to be closed.
The Laboratory, County and NNSA Field Office are monitoring the fire as a unified response and will continue to provide updates. Emergency operations managers from Los Alamos and Sandoval counties are drawing on the technical expertise of the Laboratory, as well as that of the County Fire Department.
Los Alamos County residents are encouraged to think about their evacuation and emergency planning.
“April is our windiest month, and given drought conditions, wildland fires are always a risk,” Los Alamos Fire Chief Troy Hughes said. “It’s a good idea to be prepared.”
Emergency Preparedness Resources are available on the County website here.