EMNRD-FORESTRY DIVISION

Incident Name: Luna Fire

Start Date & Time: October 17, 2020, 2000

Start Location: Chacon, NM

Latitude: 36, 15' 51" N

Longitude: -105, 20' 22 ' W

Estimated Acres Burned: 10,136

Estimated Containment: 7%

Area Vegetation: Mixed spruce, ponderosa pine

Ownership(s): Federal and private

Cause of Fire: Under investigation

Structures Threatened: Yes

Structures Burned: NO

Evacuations: Voluntary only at this time

The Luna Fire located north of Chacon on the Camino Real Ranger District, Carson National Forest is currently estimated at 10,136 acres and 7% contained. A voluntary evacuation notice remains in effect for Luna Canyon. No other evacuation orders have been issued at this time. The California Incident Management Team 5 (IMT) will hold a virtual meeting this evening at 7:00 p.m. on the Carson National Forest Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNF.

Fire activity increased Friday (10/23) due to stronger winds and low relative humidity. A majority of that activity was in Bull and Frijoles Canyons. Air tankers were used to slow the spread of the fire and prevent it from moving toward structures in Bull Canyon. A Red Flag Warning is in effect again today through 7:00 p.m. this evening across north-central and east-central New Mexico. According to fire managers, potential wind gusts of up to 45 miles per hour will prevent aircraft from flying over the fire unless the winds die down to below 30 mph. Firefighters will continue to focus on strengthening containment lines and mopping-up hot spots to slow the spread on the ground. Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect on the Carson National Forest until further notice to reduce the risk of human-caused fires.

Smoke is expected to increase today (10/24) and will continue to be seen and impact the surrounding area. Individuals who are sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it's safe to be outside. Learn more at https://nmtracking.org/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html. An interactive smoke map is also available at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Residents may call the Luna Fire Public Information Line: at 575-377-4263 or email the Incident at 2020.Luna@firenet.gov for more information. Details on the Luna Fire and any fire restrictions across the state will also be posted to the New Mexico Fire Information website at https://nmfireinfo.com/.