Indios Fire Update

Highlights: The Indios Fire was relatively quiet yesterday as it continued to smolder and creep across the forest floor, consuming fuels near the control lines. Cloud cover lingered over the fire area as humidity levels remained high, with portions of the fire receiving light rain. As a result, the fire produced very little smoke yesterday. The incident management team will provide a second opportunity for the public to meet with fire managers and ask questions about the Indios Fire at an open house on Sunday, June 9, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the lecture hall at the Coronado High School, 1903 NM-96, Gallina, NM.

Operations: Yesterday, crews completed repairs of the dozer line near Forest Road 473 and used a grader to make improvements to Forest Road 8. Firefighters completed chipping along both sides of Forest Road 64A and continued chipping along Forest Road 169E. Along the southwestern perimeter of the fire area, crews completed repairs to handlines and conducted chipping activities where needed. Firefighters patrolled the southeastern perimeter to ensure there was no remaining heat along the control lines. Road closure signage was added on Forest Road 77 and fire managers assessed needs on Forest Road 170 for drainage and erosion improvements. Air operations flew a reconnaissance mission using an uncrewed aircraft system, or drone, to assist Resource Advisors with monitoring the effects of the fire on the Continental Divide Trail. Firefighters assigned to the initial attack group remain ready to respond to any new fire starts in the area, in preparation for incoming storms this weekend.

Weather: Today, the fire area will experience higher temperatures and drier air than yesterday and, although the chance for precipitation is reduced, there is still a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms again today. The chance of precipitation increases again on Sunday, and temperatures should be cooler. By Monday, more cloud cover, lower temperatures, and a higher chance of precipitation are anticipated. The area should experience warmer and drier conditions next Tuesday through Thursday.

Smoke: Minimal smoke impacts are expected for the foreseeable future. Light dispersed visible smoke will diminish over time. Smoke sensors have been installed and will remain in the communities of Coyote, Gallina, Cañones, and at the Monastery of Christ in the Desert. View an interactive smoke map at https://fire.airow.gov/.

Learn more about smoke impacts at https://www.env.nm.gov/air-quality/fire-smoke-links/.

Closures: The Santa Fe National Forest has issued an emergency area closure for the Indios Fire. The full closure order (No. 03-12-05-23-22) and map are available on Inciweb. Camping and water will be available at the Coyote Ranger Station for Continental Divide Trail hikers impacted by this closure.

Safety: A temporary flight restriction (IFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. More information on the dangers drones pose to wildland firefighting aircraft and personnel on the ground can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/.