Valles Caldera National Preserve June 5. Photo by Robert Beberniss
Thompson Ridge Fire
June 6, 2013 9 p.m.
Acres: 12,900, Start date: May 31, 2013, Cause: Downed powerline Location: Valles Caldera National Preserve, Containment: 10 percent; Fuels: Mixed conifer and Ponderosa pine; Terrain: Steep, rugged; Resources: 25 crews, 49 engines, 23 water tenders, 2 dozers; Total personnel: 1,015; Available air support: 3 air tankers, 6 helicopters.
Summary: Crews continue to work day and night shifts to take advantage of a narrow window of favorable weather to conduct burnout operations along the northern and eastern flanks of the fire. Aerial ignitions were also used to bring fire to interior pockets of unburned fuel that posed a potential threat to the prepared fireline. Along the west side of the fire, crews continue to work securing the perimeter and cooling hotspots to ensure the safety of the adjoining communities. Work continues along the southern perimeter of the fireline to prepared and improve lines along Valles Caldera Road 02, south of Redondo Peak.
Evacuations: An evacuation order remains in effect for Thompson Ridge, Rancho de la Cueva and Elk Valley.
Smoke: Smoke from the Thompson Ridge Fire is evident in several communities. Communities in the region will be impacted by that smoke and that from other fires in the area. Smoke sensitive persons in these areas need to be alert to this possibility and be prepared to take any necessary precautions.
For more smoke information and air quality forecasts, please visit the New Mexico Environment Department’s website at http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/aqb and https://nmtracking.org/fire.
Road and Fire Area Closure: All points of entry to the Valles Caldera National Preserve are closed to public access due to fire activity. The Fenton Lake State Park is also closed to the public.
Open and active: Communities in and around the Santa Fe National Forest remain open and accessible including Jemez Springs, Jemez Pueblo, Santa Clara Pueblo, Los Alamos and Bandelier National Monument. Camping, hiking and other recreational opportunities are available in these areas.
