Dist. 43 Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard speaks with constituents at Tuesday evening’s Diego Fire community meeting in Coyote. Garcia Richard explained that the fire is between Coyote and Gallina and several families have ranch land that the fire has burned through or is threatening. The fire is approximately four miles northwest of the Valles Caldera National Preserve and the fire management team is hopeful that tonight’s moisture will help get the blaze under control, Garcia Richard said. Courtesy photo
DIEGO FIRE Update:
Acres: 3,635 Start Date: First reported June 25, lightning map indicates start date was June 15
Cause: Lightning
Location: 8 miles south of Coyote
Containment: 0
Fuels/Topography: Mixed conifer with a heavy dead/down component and bug killed trees.
Total personnel: 578
Yesterday Actions: Active fire behavior continued and the fire spread in multiple directions, growing approximately 400 acres. Interior fuels continued to burn out. Overall, the growth was not as extreme as the previous two days since multiple resources have been assigned and the predicted afternoon downdrafts were not as significant as expected. A community meeting was held in Coyote, attended by approximately 100 people. Crews continued to work through the night to secure the most active portions of the fire, making good progress on the north and southeast flanks. Another infrared flight was conducted last night, providing more accurate mapping and intelligence about fire spread. No structures or livestock have been lost. Road closures continue to be in effect at the junction of Forest Roads 103 and 93, as well as Forest Roads 103 at the 316, 315 and 70.
Today’s Actions: Full suppression actions will continue today with crews taking advantage of higher humidity and more favorable weather conditions. Anchor points have been established and crews and dozers will continue to build line around the fire. Personnel continue to assess structures and remove fuel where necessary. Overall, the fire should be less active than previous days.
Weather: Temperatures will be below normal with higher humidity expected. There is a slight chance of wetting rain; however, the better chance for precipitation will be tomorrow. Storm downdrafts and erratic winds could be a concern, especially where fuels, topography, and wind line up.
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