QUEMADO, NM, ?July 6, 2024 – Firefighters are suppressing the 100-acre Lolo Fire on the Gila National Forest, Quemado Ranger District. It is located near the Escondido Mountain area, approximately 6 miles northeast of Quemado Lake, New Mexico. The lightning-caused fire was reported Friday, July 5. Due to its remote location and steep, inaccessible terrain, a confine and contain strategy will be applied, using area roads and natural features to limit the fire’s spread.
"Ground and air resources have been working since yesterday to contain this fire on top of the knob at the top of Lolo Canyon, however, fire has entered steep, inaccessible terrain where it is not safe for firefighters to work," said Quemado District Ranger Randall Chavez. "Therefore, a less direct approach will be used to contain the fire within a larger area using roads and natural features."
A variety of tactics will be used to contain the fire. This may include using hand line to eliminate fuels along planned perimeters, protection of range infrastructure, hand ignitions, and other suppression tactics as changing conditions require to protect values at risk and bring low- to moderate-intensity fire out to control features and establish containment.
Smoke will be visible from Quemado, Quemado Lake Estates, and Pie Town, and is likely to settle into low lying areas during overnight and early morning hours. When smoke impacts are present, New Mexico Department of Health recommends that smoke sensitive individuals should reduce physical activity and stay indoors with windows and doors closed. For those who are unable to avoid smoke exposure, use of a particulate respirator mask can help. Additional air quality information and health protection measures are posted online at ?NM-Tracking - Fires, Smoke and Health. Real-time mapping of smoke and other air quality impacts is available at ?https://fire.airnow.gov/. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or ?
