Fire

Los Alamos Fire Admininstration Offices Closed Aug. 27-29

LAFD News:

The Los Alamos Fire Department Administrative offices at 999 Central Ave., Suite 200 will be closed Wednesday Aug. 27 through Friday Aug. 29.

All Administrative staff will be participating in a process of Internal Stakeholders meetings during this time, as the department is working on a process of improving daily quality of services by establishing a new Community Driven Strategic Plan.

Telephones will be routed to 311 Customer Care during working hours. Messages will be checked regularly and returned promptly. The community’s patience and understanding is appreciated. Read More

Scene From Monday’s Single Vehicle Accident

Photographed at 8:30 p.m. Monday were emergency responders working the scene near Anderson Overlook where a vehicle went over the edge and into the canyon. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office reported that the female and male occupants were air lifted to area hospitals with serious injuries. Photo by David Bouquin

First responders working Monday afternoon at the scene. Courtesy photo Read More

Wet Weather Slows Pino Fire Growth

SANTA FE – The lightning caused Pino Fire on Santa Fe National Forest’s Jemez Ranger District is now estimated at 91 acres.

The fire, which is being managed for resource benefit, was slowed Friday due to wetting rains in the area most of the day. Some active fire behavior was observed in the heavy fuels. Fire crews continued to monitor behavior and made preparations to step up ignition operations next week if conditions allow.

There are no road closures due to the fire at this time. Read More

Positive Progress Made On Pino Fire

SFNF News:

The Pino Fire, which began as a lightning strike on the Jemez Ranger District is now at 83 acres.

Firing operations were conducted on the southeast and east flanks of the fire Thursday. The consumption of fuels was thorough and favorable. Some smoke lingered over the area due to diminished winds. 

The fire is being managed for resource benefit. The fire is allowed to burn naturally and selectively with site specific hand ignitions to manage the rate and direction of fire spread. Managed fires are only allowed within certain specific parameters and conditions allowing Read More

Pino Fire Grows To 30 Acres – Being Managed For Resource Benefit

SFNF News:

SANTA FE – The lightning caused Pino Fire on the Santa Fe National Forest’s Jemez Ranger District south of Forest Road 270BC and six miles east of Jemez Springs, continues to be managed for resource benefit.

Firefighting personnel yesterday reported very little precipitation, which resulted in more fire activity increasing the size to 30 acres. Personnel continued scouting the area and collecting fuels moisture data samples to help in planning.

Weather patterns for the next few days may include more precipitation over the fire area as partly cloudy skies with scattered showers Read More

Pino Fire Grows To 26 Acres Since Aug. 13

SFNF News:

The lightning caused Pino Fire, on Santa Fe National Forest’s Jemez Ranger District, was first sighted Aug. 13 when it was approximately ½ acre in size. 

Because the fire was smoldering, no imminent growth was anticipated, a flash flood warning had been issued for the area, and access to the site was limited, no immediate action was taken.

Personnel were able to reach the fire Friday and verified that it was caused by a lightning strike. It is now 26 acres and burning on a spur ridge south of Forest Road 270BC, six miles east of Jemez Springs. It is located in the northern unit of the Paliza Read More

Los Alamos Firefighters On The Job 24/7

Los Alamos County Firefighter Cari Mace on the job Sunday afternoon in front of Fire Station 6 on East Road. Local firefighters rotate shifts to provide 24/7 coverage to the community and LANL. When they aren’t fighting fires or responding to medical calls, firefighters participate in ongoing training programs, maintain the six fire stations and equipment such as fire hydrants throughout Los Alamos and White Rock, conduct educational presentations to schools and community events and devote time to physical fitness workouts. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Los Alamos Read More

Police Seek Information On Pinon Elementary Arson

Melted playground equipment. Courtesy/LAPD

LAPD News:

The Los Alamos Police Department is seeking information about a recent arson at Pinon Elementary School.

The arson at at the school at 90 Grand Canyon occurred sometime between 1 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. in the back playground area. When police and fire officials arrived, they observed and extinguished a fire in some playground equipment. The blaze caused extensive damage to the playground slide that was recently purchased for this current school year.

“At this time, both LAFD arson investigators and LAPD detectives are actively looking into Read More

Arson Did Not Damage Pinon Elementary’s Spirit

Police are searching for the person or persons who set fire to playground equipment at Pinon Elementary School Wednesday night. ‘We are all sad here about what happened but did not let it ruin our spirits and the so many positive celebrations in the students’ first day of school,” teacher Christine Peters told the Los Alamos Daily Post. ‘We are a family at Pinon and will overcome this and we will continue to provide our students an outstanding educational experience.’ Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact police at 505.662.8222. Photo by Chrstine Read More

Pinon Elementary School Playground Vandalized

LAPS News:

Los Alamos School Superintendent Gene Schmidt announced moments ago that the school district has posted a $1,000 reward for information leading to the identification of the person(s) responsible for the vandalism overnight to the Pinon Elementary School playground on Grand Canyon in White Rock.

Police and members of the Los Alamos Fire Department responded to a call of a fire on the Pinon playground that came in at approximately 1:28 a.m., today from a resident who called Fire Station 3 on N.M. 4.

Police Cpl. Sheldon Simpson, Det. Joey Robinson and firefighters from Engine 10 responded Read More