By SFNF
Start Date: Smoke reported September 14
Cause: Lightning
Size: 14 acres
Location: Cuba Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest
Containment: 50%
Fuels: Mixed conifer, dead and down
Weather: Partly cloudy, winds out of southwest 5-10 mph
Resources: 50 personnel
Situation: The Bales Fire is in the Bales Canyon area along Forest Road 534 approximately two and one half miles southwest of the Chaparral Girl Scout Camp on the Cuba Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest. Fire activity is low. Suppression resources made good progressover the weekend establishing containment line around the fire perimeter. Heavy fuels continue to burn. Firefighters will continue toimprove containment line as they directly suppress the fire. Resources on scene include one hot shot crew, one Santa Fe County hand crew, two Type 6 engines, one dozer, one Type 3 helicopter, one heavy air tanker, one water tender, and one fixed wing air attack aircraft. Smoke may be visible from Hwy 550 and Cuba.
Smoke/Air Quality: Smoke impact is low. 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 at https://nmtracking.org/fire. For information on the HEPA filter loan program, go to https://www.santafefireshed.org/hepa-filter-loan-program/.
Fire Information: Fire updates are posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website at nmfireinfo.com, on Twitter @SantaFeNF, and www.facebook.com/SantaFeNF. For more information, contact the Cuba Ranger District at 575.289.3264.