Smoke Visible From Carrizozo NM
Related Incident:
Publication Type: Announcement
Smoke from the Lone Mountain Fire will likely be visible in Carrizozo, NM and surrounding communities June 13-15, 2019.
Lone Mountain Fire June 12 2019
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Fire Update: The Lone Mountain Fire has steadily added about 100 acres per day to the total burned area for the past four days. Crews assigned to the fire are methodically conducting ignition operations in Ponderosa Pine stringers typically found towards the bottoms of canyons. Fire activity in the pinon-juniper stands that dominate the area is minimal as there is limited grass on the ground, which hinders the fire’s ability to spread.
Fire managers expect this low-intensity fire to gain another 500 acres over the next few days, bringing the possible total acreage to approximately 1000. They will focus operations on the east aspect of Black Ridge today.
Firefighters are still restricting fire activity to the established planning area within the perimeter of FS Road 9023B, FS Road 9874 and FS Road 483.
Smoke Conditions: Smoke may be visible from Highway 54, Carrizozo, White Oaks, and Capitan, NM. For more information on air quality and health impacts from smoke, please visit the New Mexico Department of Health website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.
Closure Orders: None at this time.
Lone Mountain Fire Update June 8 2019
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Fire managers on the Smokey Bear Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest have determined a lightning-caused fire that began May 26, 2019, will be allowed to fulfill its natural role and consume forest debris.
The Lone Mountain Fire began about 6 miles north of White Oaks, NM and is burning in an area consisting of ponderosa pine, heavy pinon-juniper and some grasses. Firefighters conducted ignition operations in the Castle Garden Mesa area on Friday, bringing the total number of acres to 124. Crews may conduct additional ignition operations throughout the weekend. Smoke may be visible from Highway 54, Carrizozo, White Oaks and Capitan, NM. In addition to the ignition operations, crews will be monitoring the burned areas to assess the level of fuel consumption post burn.
Allowing the fire to move across the landscape and consume forest fuels will help create a more resilient and fire-adapted ecosystem. Low intensity fires like the Lone Mountain Fire also help recycle nutrients back into the soil.
These types of fires do not have a planned end date, but fire personnel follow a specific process called Wildland Fire Decision Support System that helps guide and document wildfire decisions, as well as provides the information needed for decision makers to develop effective strategies and tactics when working with a wildfire.
Firefighters are restricting fire activity to a planning area with the perimeter of FS Road 9023B, FS Road 9874 and FS Road 483. These containment lines allow for the safest monitoring and confinement of the fire. However, it is highly unlikely the fire would blacken the entire planning area.
Additionally the Smokey Bear Ranger District is using an Unmanned Aerial Surveillance System (aka a drone) to map the fire in the field. This is the first time a UAS system has been deployed on a wildfire on the Lincoln National Forest.
Smoke Conditions: Currently, smoke impacts are limited; however, smoke may become visible from Highway 54, Carrizozo, White Oaks, Capitan, and surrounding areas. For more information on air quality and health impacts from smoke, please visit the New Mexico Department of Health website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.
Lone Mountain Fire Updates May 27 June 6 2019
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Lone Mountain Fire updates from May 27-June 6 can be found below:
https://nmfireinfo.com/2019/06/06/lincoln-national-forest-smokey-bear-ranger-district-lone-mountain-fire-update-6-6-2019/
https://nmfireinfo.com/2019/06/03/lincoln-national-forest-smokey-bear-ranger-district-lone-mountain-fire-update-6-3-2019/
https://nmfireinfo.com/2019/05/31/lincoln-national-forest-smokey-bear-ranger-district-lone-mountain-fire-update-5-31-2019/
https://nmfireinfo.com/2019/05/30/lincoln-national-forest-smokey-bear-ranger-district-lone-mountain-fire-update-5-30-2019/
https://nmfireinfo.com/2019/05/29/lincoln-national-forest-smokey-bear-ranger-district-lone-mountain-fire-update-5-29-2019/
https://nmfireinfo.com/2019/05/28/lincoln-national-forest-smokey-bear-ranger-district-lone-mountain-fire-update-5-28-2019/
https://nmfireinfo.com/2019/05/27/lincoln-national-forest-smokey-bear-ranger-district-lone-mountain-fire/
No Closure Orders In Affect
Related Incident:
Publication Type: Closures
No Closure Orders have been made related to the Lone Mountain Fire.
Final Update 243 Command Fire
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Incident Summary: The 243 Command Fire started on Monday night, June 3, near Highway 243 and Wanapum Dam. The winds pushed the fire easterly through the Lower Crab Creek Canyon. The fire crews were able to contain it between the canyon’s northern and southern ridges. It is presently 85% contained with 20,380 acres burned. The cause is still under investigation.
The fire has been handled by the Southeast Washington Interagency Type 3 Team 3, Tony Gilmer is the Incident Commander.
Fire’s Summary: Early the fire was pushed by strong winds from the west. As it was running to the east, air was pushed up and out to its sides. On the south side of the canyon, the fire tried to cross the road and run up the ridge. Crews made sure that fire did not cross that road. The north side of the canyon is sheer vertical with draws. Crews fought to keep the fire from running up these draws. Over the first few days the fire moved east, running and spotting ahead of the flame front. By Wednesday evening, the fire for the most part, had run its course. The majority of the time Thursday and today, crews were widening the perimeter, rehabbing, and working on hot spots.
Even though the majority of the fire is out and the air has cleared, small spots of heat still remain and will remain until a heavy rainfall. The plan is to have the fire’s footprint surrounded by a wide, cool outer ring, with no burnable material. Inside this perimeter, the fire’s footprint may still have some spots of heat.
Personnel remaining will monitor the fire and keep it within its current footprint until it can be returned to the local unit.
Final Plans: The mop up and rehab operation will be continued by a small taskforce, Saturday. The Incident Command Post (ICP) will be disbanded and most of the personnel will be going home. Some fire personnel have already gone home. Saturday, the fire will be handed off to a smaller team and eventually back to the local units.
Suggestions to the Public: It is the beginning of the Fire Season, firewise.org, is an excellent website to learn about how to prepare your home for wildfires. Important tips and suggestions are also available on that site. When recreating away from home and you want to know what is happening in the area, log into the local fire departments, sheriff’s departments, and state and federal agencies’ web sites, for recommendations, warnings, etc.
Evacuation Levels Explained: Level 1—Get Ready; Level 2—Set; Level 3—Go. Are You Prepared? Everybody should understand Level 1. Get important papers, valuables, photos, memorabilia, prescription medication, pet carrier, etc. organized so that you know where things are and can grab them at a moments notice
Team 3 greatly appreciates all of the cooperation from Grant County Fire District 10 (Royal Slope), the Grant County Sheriff’s Department, and the Royal City Area community. All were valuable to the team’s success.
THANK YOU!
Smoke Outlook June 13 and 14 2019
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Smoke Outlook for 6/13 - 6/14
Osceola National Forest Wildfires 2019
Issued at: 2019-06-13 08:37 EDT
Wildfire
Wildfires are currently being monitored, and any hotspots are being mopped up as firefighters find them. The last seven days of rain showers have slowed any movement and have given firefighters the upper hand at suppressing and controlling the fires. Helicopters are being used to fly reconnaissance flights to detect any movement on current fires, and located any new starts across the forest.
Smoke
Smoke production has been little to none the last few days with the abundant rain showers across the forest. As the weather changes to more of a high-pressure system and drier conditions come about smoke may start to pop back up. No significant smoke impacts are expected today unless a new wildfire starts in the area.
Weather
Abundant lightning has been observed across the forest in the last few days. Depending on the location, rain may or may not have accompanied the lightning. As the weather dries out and warmer temperatures move back into the area, conditions will start to return to a point where wildfires from the lightning may be detected. Warmer and drier conditions are expected through the weekend. Daily AQI Forecast * for Jun 13, 2019
Comment for Today Thu, Jun 13 6/13 6/14
White Springs and Lake City No smoke impacts expected today.
Issued 2019-06-13 08:37 EDT by William Basye; william.basye@usda.gov
Air Quality Index (AQI) Actions to Protect Yourself
Good None
Moderate Unusually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion.
USG People within Sensitive Groups should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy People within Sensitive Groups should avoid all physical outdoor activity.
Very Unhealthy Everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Hazardous Everyone should avoid any outdoor activity.
Disclaimer: This forecast is based on fine particulates only; ozone is not included. Forecasts may be wrong; use at own risk. Use caution as conditions can
change quickly. See your health professional as needed. Smoke sensitive groups should take appropriate precautions.
Additional Links
Wildfire information http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6372/ Osceola National Forest Wildfires 2019 Email Address http://OsceolaFireUpdates@gmail.com
Issued by USFS Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program www.wildlandfiresmoke.net
Osceola National Forest Updates tools.airfire.org/outlooks/OsceolaNationalForest
*Smoke and Health Info www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=smoke.index
Smoke Outlook June 12 and 13 2019
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Smoke Outlook for 6/12 - 6/13
Osceola National Forest Wildfires 2019
Issued at: 2019-06-12 08:18 EDT
WildFire
Wildfires are being patrolled and any hotspots detected are quickly being mopped up. Minimal activity has been observed on the fires across the forest. When a drying pattern later this week moves into the region fire activity may increase. Lightning remains an ever present danger to firefighters, as well as the public. Lighting activity can start new fires even with the accompanying rain. It can take several days after a storm for fire personnel to detect a wildfire due to location, flat terrain, and rain showers that may limit smoke production and growth.
Smoke
Smoke production remains light to none across the area. Fire managers have ordered two air quality monitors for areas that may be impacted with additional smoke as warmer and drier conditions move into the region later this week. Air quality can quickly change if a wildfire starts near your location. As of today, no smoke impacts are expected from the wildfires burning on the Osceola National Forest.
Prescribed Fire
The Big Gum Wilderness Prescribed Fire on the Osceola National Forest has been a successful treatment for a landscape that needs frequent fire return intervals to maintain a healthy ecosystem. The prescribed fire remains within the planned perimeter, and fire personnel are monitoring the area daily. No air quality impacts from smoke are expected from the prescribed fire.
Comment for Today Wed, Jun 12 6/12 6/13
Lake City and White Springs No impacts to air quality are expected today.
Issued 2019-06-12 08:18 EDT by William Basye; william.basye@usda.gov
Air Quality Index (AQI) Actions to Protect Yourself
Good None
Moderate Unusually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion.
USG People within Sensitive Groups should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy People within Sensitive Groups should avoid all physical outdoor activity.
Very Unhealthy Everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Hazardous Everyone should avoid any outdoor activity.
Disclaimer: This forecast is based on fine particulates only; ozone is not included. Forecasts may be wrong; use at own risk. Use caution as conditions can
change quickly. See your health professional as needed. Smoke sensitive groups should take appropriate precautions.
Additional Links
Fire Information https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6372/ Osceola National Forest Wildfires 2019 Email Address http://OsceolaFireUpdates@gmail.com
Issued by USFS Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program www.wildlandfiresmoke.net
Osceola National Forest Updates tools.airfire.org/outlooks/OsceolaNationalForest
*Smoke and Health Info www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=smoke.index
Smoke Outlook June 11 and 12 2019
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Smoke Outlook for 6/11 - 6/12
Osceola National Forest Wildfires 2019
Issued at: 2019-06-11 09:45 EDT
WildFire
Wildfires are quickly being mopped up and contained.
Firefighters are staying vigilant for new wildfires that may start
in the area during the dry conditions. Any new wildfires that
start can quickly cause roadway impacts due to smoke and
reduced visibility. Watch for fire equipment on the roadways
and reduce speeds when appropriate.
Smoke
Smoke impacts from the Osceola National Forest wildfires are
little to none due to the hard work and diligence of the
firefighters on the ground. Smoke from outside of the area can
travel great lengths and settle overnight. Smoke can be seen
moving into the area from small wildfires and seasonal burning
to the south/southwest of the area. Impacts are light, but may
cause air quality to be in the moderate range at times.
Weather
Thunderstorms the last few day have brought a little
precipitation to the area, but not enough to end the fire
season. Fog formation in the early morning is starting to
happen around areas with standing water and depressions in
the landscape. Use cation when driving in areas with fog.
Afternoon thunderstorms could bring lightning to the area,
which may start new wildfires. Watch for responding
emergency equipment on roadways.
Smoke Outlook June 10 and 11 2019
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Smoke Outlook for 6/10 - 6/11
Osceola National Forest Wildfires 2019
Issued at: 2019-06-10 09:46 EDT
Wildfire
Mop up can take a long time and is a tedious operation that firefighters are continuing to perform due to the deep duff and litter layers in the forest. None-the-less, firefighters are out there continuing to secure firelines and reduce the threat of any more fire growth. Currently fires are smoldering and creeping around in the deep duff layer, and have been slowed down by recent rain showers across the area. Fire potential for growth will only increase as conditions dry out. Any new wildfire starts do have the potential to impact roadways, and cause smoke impacts to communities.
Smoke
Smoke remains light and at this time is not impacting any large communities. Smoke production should also increase as weather conditions heat up. Roadway safety remains a top priority for the incident, and smoke production is being monitored daily. Additional air quality monitors are being ordered, and will be set up to help inform the incident on smoke conditions in the area.
Weather
Rain showers have moved through the area for the last few days and it has slowed fire growth down, but not enough to put them out. The area continues to experience drought conditions, and the rain that has occurred has not improved conditions much. The incident has two Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) on the forest that capture current weather readings. Since June 1, 2019, the RAWS on the south end of the forest has captured 0.79 inches of rain and on the north end the RAWS has captured 0.55 inches. Much more rain will be needed before the threat of wildfire risk will be diminished.
Daily AQI Forecast * for Jun 10, 2019
Comment for Today Mon, Jun 10 6/10 6/11
White Springs and Lake City: No air quality impacts are expected today.
*
Issued 2019-06-10 09:46 EDT by William Basye; william.basye@usda.gov
Air Quality Index (AQI) Actions to Protect Yourself
Good None
Moderate Unusually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion.
USG People within Sensitive Groups should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy People within Sensitive Groups should avoid all physical outdoor activity.
Very Unhealthy Everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Hazardous Everyone should avoid any outdoor activity.
*
*
Disclaimer: This forecast is based on fine particulates only; ozone is not included. Forecasts may be wrong; use at own risk. Use caution as conditions can change quickly. See your health professional as needed. Smoke sensitive groups should take appropriate precautions.
*
Additional Links
Fire Information http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6372/ Fire Information Email http://OsceolaFireUpdates@gmail.com
Issued by USFS Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program www.wildlandfiresmoke.net
Osceola National Forest Updates tools.airfire.org/outlooks/OsceolaNationalForest
*Smoke and Health Info www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=smoke.index