Suppression and Rehab work continues on The Black Feather Fire

Highlights: Resources continue to work the Northern section of line and continue along the wilderness boundary. Progressing and securing the fires edge. Rappellers were utilized in remote wilderness areas to continue with suppression efforts. A helicopter was utilized for bucket drops on hotspots around the fire. Making great progress and securing any area of concern.  

Hand crews reached more into the wilderness to continue scouting and securing the fire edge. Engine crews outside of the wilderness have been patrolling and monitoring the fires edge along with securing any hotspots or smoke showing within the fires perimeter.  

Operations: Suppression efforts are continuing within the wilderness and along the northern and southern edge of the fire. With heavy dead and down logs and duff layers, fire will continue to smolder. Crews and engines are actively suppressing and monitoring activities in relation to weather and fire behavior to ensure incident objectives are met while remaining focused on firefighter safety.   

Safety: Equipment and fire crews are actively moving in and around the fire area. Please use caution when traveling around the Black Feather Fire. The Temporary Flight Restriction is still in place. Please do not fly drones anywhere near the fire. If you fly, we can’t fly.

Weather: A cooling trend with higher humidity’s expected through today as moisture associated with Tropic Storm Harold moves over western New Mexico. Gusty and erratic winds will still be possible with any cell, but chances for wetting rain increase. Showers and thunderstorms are likely in the afternoon.   

Restrictions/Closures: Effective Monday, August 21, the Santa Fe National Forest has issued an updated area, road, and trail closure in part of the Coyote Ranger District.See https://bit.ly/BlackFeatherClosureUpdate for information and a corresponding map. Forest Road 103 is now open. Closures will be adjusted based on fire activity.   

Smoke: Variations in temperatures, humidity & fire activity will impact smoke conditions in the coming days and weeks. Smoke may be visible in the area as active smoldering takes place. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/.  

Evacuations:  The communities of Mesa Pinabetal, Mesa Poleo, and Wetherill remain in ‘Ready’ status. The Coyote Senior Center is open to evacuees, and livestock can be taken to the Rio Arriba Rural Event Center near Abiquiu. The Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office will coordinate evacuations if they go into effect. For more information, use the QR code below and visit the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079688263048.