The Santa Fe National Forest Issued an Emergency Area Closure due to the Indios Fire

Indios Fire zero containmentPhoto by2nd Life Media

The Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 4 assumed command of the lightning caused Indios Fire at 7:00 AM this morning, Monday, May 27, 2024. A complex team brings additional resources and management capabilities to manage the Indios Fire. Incident objectives include protecting values at risk and meeting Santa Fe National Forest Plan objectives by reintroducing fire into a fire dependent ecosystem. Expected benefits include reduction of hazardous fuels, encouraging native growth, and improving range and watershed conditions, species diversity, and wildlife habitat.

The location of this 4th fire being battled in the forest areas of New Mexic is located 7 miles north of the village of Coyote, New Mexico. There is zero containment.

Despite windy conditions, 292 personal are on site and the fire has been predominantly driven by topography in steep, rugged terrain in the Chama River Canyon Wilderness. Firefighters continue to construct firelines by removing vegetation along existing roads and tying into natural features, such as rocky cliffs, around the fire area. Crews are strategically applying low intensity fire along Forest Road 77 to remove vegetation between a previous wildfire burned area and the main fire to prevent fire spread to the east. Firefighters have conducted aerial reconnaissance missions and observed beneficial fire effects across the landscape. Fire crews are working to minimize adverse fire impacts to federal and private lands including watersheds, natural and cultural resources, range, and agricultural infrastructure, and preserving landscape characteristics in the Chama River Canyon Wilderness. Additionally, firefighters are working strategically to minimize smoke impacts to communities and critical travel corridors to the extent possible.

A high pressure system will build over the area over the next few days resulting in increased temperatures and lower humidity. Mid-level clouds will develop over the mountains in the region bringing a slight potential for precipitation in the region by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Smoke from the Indios Fire became more visible in the surrounding communities yesterday, including Espanola and Abiquiu. Winds are expected to assist with smoke dispersal this afternoon. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Learn more about smoke impacts on the New Mexico Environment Department website at https://www.env.nm.gov/air-quality/fire-smoke-links/. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Closures: The Santa Fe National Forest has issued an emergency area closure for the Indios Fire. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety and the safety of all personnel working the 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.

The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should stay away from Indios Fire operations. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft 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/.

More Information: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmsnf-indios-wildfire /