Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, D-Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Sandoval and Rio Arriba counties, visited the Thompson Ridge Fire area Saturday and said that it is predominately burning fuel on the forest floor and except for isolated spots, has not moved into the canopy thus far. Courtesy photo

During a tour Saturday, Sandoval County Deputy Fire Chief Jess Lewis points out to Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard the site of the Thompson Ridge Fire back burn area where a containment line is being cut just inside the Valles Caldera property line. Courtesy photo

Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard with New Mexico State Forester Tony Delfin and Homeland Security Secretary Greg Myers. at a meeting Saturday at the Sierra Los Pinos Fire Station in the Jemez Mountains with residents affected by the Thompson Ridge Fire. Courtesy photo

Staff Report

Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, D-Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Sandoval and Rio Arriba counties, visited the Thompson Ridge Fire area Saturday.

“We had a briefing on progress in containing the fire. The fire did not burn very much today and we are hopeful that the weather will be favorable tomorrow,” Garcia Richard said, adding that the blaze is predominately burning fuel on the forest floor and except for isolated spots, has not moved into the canopy.

Garcia Richard also attended a meeting for affected community members at the Sierra Los Pinos Fire Station in the Jemez Mountains. New Mexico State Forester Tony Delfin and Homeland Security Secretary Greg Myers also attended the meeting and Gov. Susana Martinez was able to stay for a brief period.

Sandoval County Deputy Fire Chief Jess Lewis shows Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard the site where the massive Thompson Ridge Fire first ignited from a downed power line. Several homes are directly adjacent to these burned areas, Garcia Richard said Saturday. Courtesy photo

A helicopter drops water on the Thompson Ridge Fire Saturday. Courtesy photo