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: 10,142
Estimated Containment: 27%
Area Vegetation: Mixed spruce, ponderosa pine
Ownership(s): Federal and private
Cause of Fire: Under investigation
Structures Threatened: No
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 now 27% contained and estimated at 10,142 acres. The fire showed little growth on Sunday (10/25) due to a winter storm system that brought rain, snow, and sleet to the area. Firefighters continued to secure containment lines and mop-up hotspots before returning to basecamp due to the adverse weather conditions. Today, winter storm conditions are forecast to continue with up to 3-6 inches of snow accumulation for the fire area. This is expected to reduce fire activity and slow growth. Firefighters will only return to the fireline today if the Incident Management Team (IMT) determines it is safe.
No structures are threatened at this time. A voluntary evacuation remains in effect for Luna Canyon. No other evacuation orders have been issued. The California Incident Management Team 5 (IMT) will not hold a virtual public meeting tonight, but there will be updated fire information videos posted to the Carson National Forest Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNF.
Some resources have been released from the fire bringing the total number of personnel to 265. The team includes a COVID-19 Advisor responsible for establishing and monitoring social distancing practices consistent with New Mexico's Public Health Emergency Order in all aspects of the fire response. The Forestry Division continues working closely with the IMT and the Carson National Forest to address fire suppression operations and the impact on private lands. Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect on the Carson National Forest until further notice to reduce the risk of human-caused fires.
Today the fire will be smoldering with the potential for unburned pockets of dry fuels producing some smoke. 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/.