EMNRD-FORESTRY DIVISION
Ute Park Fire - June 10, 2018 Morning Update
SOUTHWEST AREA INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM #1
BEA DAY - INCIDENT COMMANDER
Red Flag Warning Today
Acres: 36,740 acres (26,387 acres on Philmont Scout Ranch) Percent Containment: 77%
Start Date: May 31, 2018, 2:10pm Cause: Unknown, under investigation
Jurisdiction: NM State Fuels: Grass, Piñon Juniper, Mixed Conifer
Origin Location: Highway 64 in Ute Park, NM, between Eagle Nest Lake and Cimarron
Resources: 445 personnel, 10 crews, 7 helicopters, 12 engines, 1 dozer, and 5 water tenders
There is a Red Flag Warning today from noon until 8:00 pm with strong, gusty winds across the area. Wind from the west will not be a concern for fire perimeter growth as it will blow the fire back into the burned area. Conditions remain hot and dry. Any thunderstorms that develop are expected to be dry and isolated. Firefighters are prepared to respond to new starts in the area as needed.
Fire crews continue to improve and secure line along the west flank of the fire. Firefighters are patrolling and monitoring containment lines around the north, east, and south flanks of the fire. An aerial observation flight yesterday observed very little heat near the fire perimeter.
Cimarron and Ute Park may see smoke and flames as winds today will fan flames in pockets of unburned vegetation within firelines, however, interior fire activity is not a threat to the fire’s perimeter. Interior torching (the burning of the foliage of a single tree or a small group of trees, from the bottom up), may be observed. Flame and smoke will continue to be visible over the next few weeks until the area receives significant precipitation.
US 64 remains closed eastbound and westbound between mile marker 287 at Eagle Nest to mile marker 309 at Cimarron for public safety. The only exception is for local Ute Park residents (with ID) who will be allowed to travel between Ute Park and Eagle Nest on US 64. NM 204 is closed north and south of mile marker 0 to mile marker 10. These areas will stay closed as firefighters continue to work with collaborators to mitigate concerns related to uncontained fire, road conditions, flash flooding, and firefighter safety. Road crews are also using large equipment to install concrete Jersey barriers along sections of Highway 64 to help catch rolling and flooding debris. Call 511 or visit http://nmroads.com/ for current road info.
All property access off NM 204 is still closed and under evacuation orders. Please visit the Colfax County website for more information http://www.co.colfax.nm.us/ .
No homes have burned on the Ute Park Fire. Fourteen outbuildings burned on the Philmont Scout Ranch on May 31.
Firefighters are working to suppress this fire where they can do so safely and effectively. Values at risk include public and firefighter safety, the community of Ute Park, the Philmont Scout Ranch, the Cimarroncito and Urraca Watersheds, Cimarron Canyon State Park, private lands, economic benefits from tourism and recreation in the area, and air quality.
Use the 5-3-1 visibility method to protect your health from smoke: https://bit.ly/2jJwwd 7. Air Monitoring Resources are available at https://bit.ly/2tm1VG6 , https://bit.ly/2sqcLJ4 .
Cimarron State Park remains closed. Eagle Nest Lake State Park is open.
Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. More info visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org
Ute Park Fire Info: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5820/ (air quality info, maps, etc.) and http://nmfireinfo.com
Colfax County Emergency Management Information: https://bit.ly/2LbNdXh
Public Line: (505) 309-0751 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)