NEWS
Northern New Mexico fire grows to 3,000 acres
Cundiy贸 and Cerro Pi帽on residents told to be ready for possible evacuation; cause of the fire is lightning, according to U.S. Forest Service
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A few thousand acres are burning in the Pecos Wilderness, north of Santa Fe.
No injuries or structural damages have been reported.
The Frijoles Fire began Tuesday. As of 9 p.m. Sunday, it had grown to 3,000 acres with 0% containment. Lightning is being attributed as the cause, .
The Frijoles Fire, in the Espa帽ola Ranger District, is 3 miles southeast of Cundiy贸 and about 35 miles north of Santa Fe.
There are 101 firefighters battling the flames, along with large air tankers and helicopters, which continued dropping retardant and water on Sunday in an attempt to slow the fire鈥檚 growth, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Temperatures this week will range from the upper 70s to mid-80s with 20%-35% relative humidity. The chances of precipitation will increase as the week progresses. Lightning, brief heavy rainfall, localized flooding, and sudden wind shifts will be the primary weather concerns for fire operations, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
While no evacuations have been ordered, on Saturday, the Santa Fe County Fire Department issued a informing Cundiy贸 and Cerro Pi帽on residents to be on .
鈥淩EADY means being prepared before an evacuation becomes necessary,鈥� the post states. 鈥淩eview your evacuation plan, know where you will go, have multiple routes identified, and have your emergency supply kit ready.鈥�
A road closure has been issued for N.M. 503 between Santa Fe County Road 98 and N.M. 76. The public is also being asked to avoid the fire area and the Santa Cruz Overlook Road and Campground.
鈥淰isitors are encouraged to avoid the fire area and use caution when traveling near firefighting operations,鈥� according to the forest service.
Along with potentially dealing with motorists, another concern facing firefighters are drones.
The Santa Fe County Fire Department has posted on social media, reminding people not to fly drones in or around the fire.
鈥淎n unauthorized drone near the fire can create a serious safety hazard and may force firefighting aircraft to leave the area or suspend air operations,鈥� according to SFCFD. 鈥淧lease keep your drone grounded and allow firefighters and aircraft to do their jobs safely. If you fly, they can鈥檛!鈥�
More fire information can be found on .
Gregory R.C. Hasman is a general assignment reporter and the Road Warrior. He can be reached at ghasman@abqjournal.com or 505-823-3820.
