Winsor Ridge Fire on the Santa Fe National Forest

By SFNF

Start date: June 26, 2020

Cause: Under investigation

Size: 2.3 acres

Location: Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) approximately 1.7 miles from the Winsor Ridge Trailhead at Cowles and approximately 20 miles north of Pecos

Containment: 100%

Fuels: Heavy fuels with a high concentration of dead and down timber and mixed conifer on steep slopes in rocky terrain

Weather: Breezy conditions continue today with stronger winds expected on Monday. Meanwhile, drier air will continue to filter into the area, and the combination of strong winds and low humidity will create critical fire weather conditions today. By late week, moisture should return increasing chances for showers and thunderstorms.

Resources on scene: One helicopter with a water bucket and 58 personnel

Values at risk: Cowles Ponds fishing site, Cowles Campground and Winsor Ridge recreation cabins administered under special use permits from the Santa Fe National Forest. There has been no damage to property.

Strategy: The strategy for the Winsor Ridge Fire is full suppression. Firefighters declared it fully contained today at 9 a.m. However, high winds, low humidities and high temperatures raise the potential for spotting outside the containment lines. Although the fire is still active within the interior, firefighters are securing the perimeter and starting mop-up.

Safety: No injuries have been reported. Yesterday SFNF personnel diverted approximately 500 people away from the area around the fire. Members of the public should stay away from the Cowles Ponds area, the Winsor Ridge Trailhead and Stewart Lake so they do not interfere with fire operations. The forest prepared a closure order for the area. Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”

Smoke is likely to be visible in the Pecos Canyon area.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 can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.