Start Date & Time: 3/28/2014 @ approx. 15:40

Start Location: #1 Pino Road, west of Rio Grande between Socorro/Valencia County Line and Highway 346, closer to county line.
Cause of Fire: human, under investigation
Area Vegetation: grass, brush, salt cedar
Acres Burned: 40 acres - estimated
Ownership(s): Private
Structures Threatened: 5 to 6 residences/several hay barns
Structures Burned: none reported
Evacuations (Y or N & #): none reported

Situation: The Pino Fire is still active on the south and west. Crews will conduct a burnout overnight on the east side of the river toward the southern edge of the fire. While the fire is still active, it is settling down somewhat thanks to cooler temperatures and lighter winds. However, conditions tomorrow will be favorable for increased fire activity.

The Albuquerque Zone Type III team will take over the fire on Saturday.
The fire is burning in both Valencia and Socorro Counties.

State Forestry Fire Investigators will return on Saturday to continue looking into the cause of the fire.

While the fire does threaten some homes and structures, no evacuations have been called for. Several area residents did voluntarily leave their homes due to the proximity of the fire.

Area residents can expect low visibility through the valley tonight as the smoke settles to ground level. Residents driving through the area are also cautioned to be on the lookout for emergency vehicles accessing the fire. The smoky conditions will likely be in place through the early morning hours.

% contained: none reported

Wind Direction: west
# of Personnel: 50-Valencia County, Socorro County, N6S Engine en route
# of Crews: 1 IWC Crew
# of Engines: 15
# of Bulldozers: 1-BLM
# of helicopters: 1-USFS
# of water tenders: 3