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250 acre Venado fire update; 40-person Hotshot crew on the scene

By Santa Fe National Forest

Venado Fire UPDATE

Forest Road Closure in Effect

Start Date: July 20

Cause: Lightning

Size: 250 acres

Location:  Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest

Containment: 0%

Fuel: Ponderosa Pine

Weather: Light winds, clear skies

Resources on scene: 2 engines, 2 utility vehicles, 20-person Santa Fe Hotshot crew, 20-person Aravaipa Hotshot crew (from Arizona), 18 support personnel.

Situation: Due to fire behavior, Forest Road (FR) 376 is closed from Gilman Tunnels to the intersection of FR 488 and FR 376. Area day trip visitors are being notified by USDA Forest Service law enforcement to leave the area. One heavy air tanker and 3 singe engine air tankers dropped fire retardant to improve access for hotshot crews. The fire is active on all sides and there is potential for large growth tomorrow.  Hotshot crews will work to establish control lines tonight.  Anticipated tomorrow is 1 helicopter with bucket, two single engine air tankers, and the Black Mesa Hotshots from Arizona. The fire is in a remote location on Mesa Venado and in an adjacent drainage area, 1 mile and a half north of Deer Creek Landing, and three quarters of a mile east of Joaquin Mesa. The forest is inaccessible from the south end of FR 376, but is accessible from the north end of FR 376. Smoke is visible from I-25, Jemez, Santa Fe, and possibly Bernalillo.

Smoke/Air Quality: Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease should be prepared to exercise precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health’s website:  https://nmtracking.org/fire. For information on the HEPA filter loan program:  http://www.santafefireshed.org/hepa-filter-loan-program/.

Fire updates are posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com and on Twitter @SantaFeNF and www.facebook.com/SantaFeNF.  Media inquiries: (505) 231-0038.

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