Updated
Updated · nmfireinfo.com · Jun 17
Firefighters Halt 4.9-Acre Pelada Fire as Red Flag Warning Threatens Rio Blaze
Updated
Updated · nmfireinfo.com · Jun 17

Firefighters Halt 4.9-Acre Pelada Fire as Red Flag Warning Threatens Rio Blaze

3 articles · Updated · nmfireinfo.com · Jun 17

Summary

  • Thirty personnel stopped the Pelada Fire’s forward spread after it reached 4.9 acres east of Santa Fe, building fire line around the perimeter with containment expected by evening.
  • The fire was detected June 16 after thunderstorms moved through northern New Mexico a day earlier, and its cause remains undetermined; smoke may be visible from the Santa Fe foothills and nearby I-25.
  • A separate Rio Fire northeast of Chicoma Mountain is estimated at 5 to 10 acres, with limited access, heavy fuels and forecast red flag conditions expected to let it grow.
  • Thirty-five personnel, three engines and two Type 1 helicopters are assigned to the Rio Fire, while a red flag warning for Santa Fe National Forest runs from noon to 9 p.m. and the forest remains under full suppression.

Insights

As a 'Super' El Niño looms, are current firefighting tactics enough to prevent a catastrophic wildfire season?
Could letting this lightning-caused fire burn actually help the forest become more resilient to future megafires?
With humans starting 80% of wildfires, why do fire restrictions seem to fall short in protecting our forests?