EMNRD-FORESTRY DIVISION for the
Santa Fe National Forest

Start Date: June 5, 2015 Percent Contained: 0%
Size: 1,550 acres Growth Potential: Low
Vegetation: Ponderosa pine, aspen, mixed conifer, grass and brush

Summary: Crews on the lightning-caused Commissary Fire on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District will continue chipping and piling operations around the perimeter of the fire today. Fire managers will take advantage of the drier weather today and attempt to burn 200 to 300 acres along Forest Road 66 and along Forest Road 66F.

The Commissary Fire is located 13 miles east of Pecos, NM, and two miles south of Barillas Peak. Fire managers have been managing the fire for resource objectives, including improving wildlife and range habitat, encouraging regeneration of aspen, and improving watershed and overall forest health.

With the possibility of increased smoke, people with respiratory problems and smoke-sensitive individuals are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Environment Department's website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.

Public recreational areas on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District are not affected by the Commissary Fire and are open. Although there are no fire restrictions in place, visitors are reminded that fireworks are always prohibited on national forest lands.

Road Advisories: Public traffic is highly discouraged on Forest Roads 83 and 66 due to heavy firefighter traffic and narrow road conditions. Caution is also advised while driving from lower Colonias north on Forest Road 83.