Horse Canyon Fire - Queen, New Mexico. July 2, 2012.

Photo Is Courtesy Of Traci Arnwine.

HORSE CANYON FIRE UPDATE Monday, July 2, 8:00 am

JULY 2, 2012 BY JMYSLIVY 0 COMMENTS

Summary: Rough, rocky terrain and windy conditions were hampering suppression

 efforts for the fire resources. Aerial resources (helicopters and air tankers) were assisting ground resources with bucket drops and retardant along the fire perimeter to keep the fire from crossing containment lines. The crews utilized existing roads and trails trying to hold the fire in check. Multiple burnout operations were completed to tie in and strengthen containment lines. Structure protection was taken around Putman cabin late yesterday afternoon to preserve the historical cabin. Additional resources arrived on the fire last night and will continue to arrive today. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire with a 7 mile radius and a 10,500 foot ceiling. A public meeting was held at 7:00 PM last night at the Queen Volunteer Fire Department, and a public meeting will be held tonight.

Detected:  Friday, June 29, 2012                                  Containment: 15% percent   

Location:  Guadalupe Ranger District, Lincoln NF      Fuel Type:  Pinon, Juniper, Grass, and Brush

Cause:  Lightning                                                   Injuries:  0                                         

Today’s weather:      Temp: 85-88, RH: 20 % -30 %, Winds: East 10 – 15

Current Size:             5000 acres; fire mapped this evening which provided a more accurate acreage

Road Closures:          Forest Road 527 at NM 137, Forest Road 527 at 69 (Cougar Road), 5530 at 5530A (North Well Road)

Area Closures:           None

Resources Committed:

Crews	7
Engines	11
Dozers	0
Helicopters	3
Watertenders	0
Total Personnel	170

Values at Risk:          The community of Queen continues to be threatened from the fire which is approximately 3 miles southeast of the community. There are no evacuation notices or alerts but all residents are cognizant of the situation.  In addition to the following, a communications site for Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the historical Caverns Putnam Cabin. Protecting these sites is a high priority for the suppression activities. 

Other values at risk include: watershed, grazing lands, livestock, and water supply lines.

 Information on wildland fire smoke and your health can be found on the New Mexico Department of Health’s website at: https://nmtracking.unm.edu/eh_alerts/, or call the New Mexico statewide health line at

(877) 304-4161.

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