Final Update for the Cueva Fire Unless Significant Activity Occurs

By SFNF

Following Thursday’s successful firing operations, the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) has concluded all ignitions on the Cueva Fire. No future growth is expected outside the approximately 1,000-acre planning area. For the next several days crews will continue to monitor fire activity within the containment lines and establish points to proactively address any unexpected growth outside the planning area.

The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) managed the lightning-caused Cueva Fire by adding low-intensity fire to reduce fuel loadings and create a more fire-resilient landscape. This type of managed fire enhances wildlife habitat and promotes forage growth for wildlife and livestock.

The Coyote Ranger District values the relationship it shares with the local community and thanks the public for its continued support.

Start date: August 6, 2019

Cause: Lightning

Location: French Mesa, located on the north end of the Coyote Ranger District, adjacent to Forest Road 8, north of Gallina

Size: 1,011 acres

Fuels: Primarily ponderosa pine and pinon-juniper

Resources on scene: 2 New Mexico State Forestry IWC Crews, Coyote Ranger District fire personnel

Current status: Crews will be monitoring fire activity and checking containment lines

Weather: Mostly clear conditions, winds out of the west at 5-15 mph and temperatures in the 80s

Predicted smoke impact: Smoke is visible from US Highway 112 and Highway 96. Possible smoke impact to the communities of Lindrith, Llaves, Abiquiu and Gallina as well as private inholdings in Rio Gallina and Rio Chama.

Smoke is expected to impact the surrounding areas for the next several days. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Information on air quality and protecting your health by using the 5-3-1 visibility method can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website at https://nmtracking.org/fire. People with health concerns can also call NMDOH at 505-827-0006 for additional information. For information on the HEPA filter loan program, go to https://facnm.org/smoke#smokeanchor5.

Fire updates are posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com,www.facebook.com/SantaFeNF and Twitter @SantafeNF. For additional information about the Cueva Fire, please contact the Coyote Ranger District at 575-638-5526.