Naranjo Fire, Cuba Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest

By SFNF

Start date: July 1

Cause: Lightning

Size: 10 acres

Location: Cuba Ranger District on the Santa Fe National Forest approximately 2 miles southeast of Regina, NM, off of NM State Highway 96

Containment: 0%

Fuel: Ponderosa pine

Weather: Sunny with temperatures between 84-88 degrees, winds from the west at 5-10miles per hour and 11-16% humidity

Resources assigned: 20 personnel with one Type 6 engine, two UTVs and 2 ATVs

Situation: Fire behavior remains low to moderate with flame lengths between 6 inches to 1 foot. Fire managers continue to look at the Naranjo Fire as a potential opportunity to improve forest health and reduce surface fuels. Historically, low-intensity wildfires burned through southwestern dry conifer forests like the SFNF every seven to 15 years on average as part of a natural cycle that removed leaf litter, eradicated disease and thinned the understory, making room for new growth.  Fire managers may use the Naranjo Fire to mimic that natural process and help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire by reducing fine fuels and debris on the forest floor.

Crews continue to monitor the fire, which has grown to 10 acres, and scout for containment lines. Firefighter and public safety are always the first priority on all fire incidents.

Smoke will likely be visible from US Highway 550, NM Highway 96, and the communities of Cuba, Regina and La Jara. 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 prescribed burn, please contact the Cuba Ranger District at 575-289-3264.