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Las Conchas Wildfire Update — Why Now?
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Las Conchas Wildfire Update

by Bryan

Las Conchas WildfireToday they explained their strategy, which has been apparent if you are familiar with fighting wildfires, even if only via the ‘Net.

Information from the current Las Conchas Wildfire InciWeb Page:

Overview

Several strategies are being utilized to contain the Las Conchas Fire. In many areas, firefighters have built line directly next to the fire. These lines are then mopped up by extinguishing all heat for about a hundred feet from the edge of the line. Another approach is building indirect line, away from the fire’s edge. Firefighters then burn along these lines to create a wider area free of fuels. It may take several hours or even days for the backing fire from the control line to meet up with the wildfire.

Another strategy is being employed on many parts of this fire. With expected “monsoonal” rains, the fire may be extinguished naturally. In places where the fire is burning in extremely steep and dangerous terrain, containment lines have been established along existing trails and roads. These lines have been prepared for burn-out, but fire managers are hoping the rains will arrive before the fire reaches those lines, making the burn-out of containment lines unnecessary. As the fire moves closer, the decision to burn along these lines is continually re-evaluated.

Therefore, the fire continues to grow, put up smoke, and develop columns as both interior runs and perimeter growth occurs.

  • Date Started: 6/26/2011
  • Location: Jemez Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest; approximately 12 miles southwest of Los Alamos off NM 4 at mile marker 35, New Mexico
  • Cause: Falling tree hit power lines
  • Size: 142,250 acres [222 miles² 576 km²] based on infrared data
  • Percent Contained: 40%
  • Injuries to Date: 5
  • Residences: 410 threatened; 63 destroyed; 3 damaged
  • Commercial Property: 45 threatened; 5 destroyed; 3 damaged
  • Outbuildings: 110 threatened; 32 destroyed; damaged
  • Other: destroyed
  • Number of Personnel: Approximately 2,075 including hotshot crews and 44 hand crews
  • Equipment: 12 dozers, 66 engines, 33 watertenders
  • Aircraft: 17 helicopters, air tankers
  • Incident Commander: Dan Oltrogge, Area Command Team 1

[For the latest information click on the Fire symbol, or go to the CATEGORIES drop-down box below the CALENDAR and select “Fires” for all of the posts related to wildfires on this site.]