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Published: 09 June 2018 09 June 2018

EMNRD-FORESTRY DIVISION
Ute Park Fire - June 9, 2018 Morning Update

SOUTHWEST AREA INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM #1
BEA DAY - INCIDENT COMMANDER

 Scattered Thunderstorms Expected

Acres: 36,740 acres (26,387 acres on Philmont Scout Ranch) Percent Containment: 77%
Start Date: May 31, 2018, 2:10pm Cause: Unknown, under investigation
Jurisdiction: NM State Fuels: Grass, Piñon Juniper, Mixed Conifer
Origin Location: Highway 64 in Ute Park, NM, between Eagle Nest Lake and Cimarron
Resources: 545 personnel including 13 crews, 10 helicopters, 18 engines, 4 bulldozers, 7 water tenders

Mostly cloudy conditions are expected to bring isolated thunderstorms this afternoon, with gusty erratic winds. Firefighters are prepared to respond to new starts in the area as needed.

Firefighters in the Ute Park area will continue to secure direct fire line on the west perimeter of the fire. No perimeter growth is expected. Fire crews are continuing chipping operations along US 64. The wood chips are being used to help repair dozer line in the area, to help mitigate long term impacts. Firefighters continue to monitor and patrol containment lines on the north, east, and south flanks of the fire.

Expect to see flames and smoke within the fire’s perimeter as the fire burns through pockets of previously unburned vegetation. It is likely fire within the perimeter will produce notable smoke that will be visible from both Ute Park and the Cimarron areas. This activity is expected to continue until monsoons arrive and bring significant precipitation. Fire activity and smoke will vary with weather, vegetation and terrain.

US 64 remains closed eastbound and westbound between mile marker 287 at Eagle Nest to mile marker 309 at Cimarron for public safety. The only exception is for local Ute Park residents (with ID) who will be allowed to travel between Ute Park and Eagle Nest on US 64. NM 204 remains closed north and south of mile marker 0 to mile marker 10. These areas will stay closed as firefighters continue to work with collaborators to mitigate concerns related to uncontained fire, road conditions, flash flooding, and firefighter safety. Road crews are also using large equipment to install concrete Jersey barriers along sections of Highway 64 to help catch rolling and flooding debris.

All property access off NM 204 is still closed and under evacuation orders. Please visit the Colfax County website for more information http://www.co.colfax.nm.us/.

No homes have burned on the Ute Park Fire. Structure protection measures are in place, including hoselays and sprinklers. Fourteen outbuildings burned on the Philmont Scout Ranch on May 31.

Firefighters are working to suppress this fire where they can do so safely and effectively. Values at risk include public and firefighter safety, the community of Ute Park, the Philmont Scout Ranch, the Cimarroncito and Urraca Watersheds, Cimarron Canyon State Park, private lands, economic benefits from tourism and recreation in the area, and air quality.

Use the 5-3-1 visibility method to protect your health from smoke: https://bit.ly/2jJwwd7. Air Monitoring Resources are available at https://bit.ly/2tm1VG6 , https://bit.ly/2sqcLJ4 . A Smoke Forecast is available at https://bit.ly/2Jj0c98 .

Call 511 or visit http://nmroads.com/ for current road info. NM 204 is closed north and south of mile marker 0 to mile marker 10. US 64 remains closed eastbound and westbound from mile marker 287 to mile marker 309 at Cimarron.

Cimarron State Park remains closed. Eagle Nest Lake State Park is open.

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. More info visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org 

Ute Park Fire Info: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5820 / (air quality info, maps, etc.) and http://nmfireinfo.com 
Colfax County Emergency Management Information: https://bit.ly/2LbNdXh 
Public Line: (505) 309-0751 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)