Update: Fire In Valles Caldera Burns 426 Acres

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on June 15, 2018
- 8:33 pm

The lightning-caused San Antonio Fire on Valles Caldera National Preserve has grown to 426 acres. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Fire in the Valles Caldera. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

VCNP News:

The lightning-caused San Antonio Fire on Valles Caldera National Preserve has grown to 426 acres and is located in the northwest area of the preserve between Valle San Antonio and northern boundary.

Resources consist of more than 100 fire personnel. The Albuquerque Zone Incident Management Type 3 Team is on scene and expected to take command at 8 a.m. Saturday.

The Valle Grande entrance station and bookstore will remain open to the public, and ranger-led tours and hikes will be offered in the park’s cabin district. All other access and activities have been suspended. NM State Route 4 is open to traffic.

Because of the location and elevation, smoke from the burn may be visible from all directions coming into the Jemez Mountains area. Smoke is expected to linger in neighboring communities including Los Alamos, La Cueva, Sierra Los Pinos, Jemez Springs, Ponderosa, Jemez Pueblo and areas near NM State Route 4. Communities surrounding the Jemez Mountains may also see smoke.

Smoke may be a health concern for children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and those suffering from allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities, or other heart or lung diseases. To reduce exposure to smoke, stay indoors as much as possible with windows, doors, and vents closed. Avoid or limit physical activities outdoors.

Information on health impacts from smoke can be found by calling the New Mexico Department of Health at 1.888.878.8992 or visiting https://nmtracking.org/fire.