Reconnaissance flights today will provide perspective of entire Pass Fire

Category: Front Page News Front Page News
Published: 31 May 2023 31 May 2023

Daily Update May 31, 2023

Acres: 10,508 acres
Location: 40 miles west of Winston, NM
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 150
Start Date: May 15, 2023
Cause: Lightning-caused
Fuels: Timber and grass
Structures Lost: None

Helicopter aerial reconnaissance flights are planned for early today. This provides an opportunity for assessing the condition of the Pass Fire footprint from an "eyes in the sky" perspective. These flights are strategically planned and scheduled for key personnel who have direct involvement and/or leadership in fire operations. This aerial view allows fire managers to see the entire perimeter, current fire behavior, fuel consumption, and burn patterns. If flight conditions are not favorable, the aerial mission will be rescheduled.

Incident Commander, Pete Valenzuela added, "the reconnaissance flights provide an opportunity to see the unburned areas that are in path of the fire, including fuel types. This assessment is used to identify potential areas where the fire's spread will be allowed to continue or where to strategically and safely take actions in preparation for holding the fire well in advance of its arrival."

Weather: High temperatures will be near normal, high 80's with winds increasing this afternoon. A Red Flag Warning in effect for Southwest New Mexico until 9:00 PM today. Conditions are expected to improve after sunset when temperatures decrease and winds become light and terrain-driven. Warm, dry weather is expected to continue through the end of the week. As Red Flag conditions materialize, fire behavior and fire spread are expected to increase.

Closures: There are no road closures at this time, however firing operations are ongoing over the next few days along Highway 59 as the fire continues to spread under current and favorable fuel and weather conditions. Travelers are asked to be mindful of possible smoke impacts on or near the highway. Please slow down and watch for fire crews and engines working in the vicinity and along the edge of the highway. Firing operations along Highway 59 are expected to continue possibly into the weekend.

Aviation Restrictions: Currently, there is no Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the Pass Fire, however, be advised that this could change, should aerial support be needed. A "TFR" restricts non-fire aircraft. This includes civilian drones. Unauthorized aircraft in the area can ground firefighting aircraft and hinder firefighting efforts.

Situational Awareness for the Public: INCIWEB is the official site for fire information, visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov The ".gov" means it's official. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. The site is secure and updated daily.

Go directly to the PASS FIRE: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/nmgnf-pass-fire

Fire Information and Media Line: 720-693-3527/ Hours: 8 am – 8 pm

Content on the Beat

WARNING: All articles and photos with a byline or photo credit are copyrighted to the author or photographer. You may not use any information found within the articles without asking permission AND giving attribution to the source. Photos can be requested and may incur a nominal fee for use personally or commercially.

Disclaimer: If you find errors in articles not written by the Beat team but sent to us from other content providers, please contact the writer, not the Beat. For example, obituaries are always provided by the funeral home or a family member. We can fix errors, but please give details on where the error is so we can find it. News releases from government and non-profit entities are posted generally without change, except for legal notices, which incur a small charge.

NOTE: If an article does not have a byline, it was written by someone not affiliated with the Beat and then sent to the Beat for posting.

Images: We have received complaints about large images blocking parts of other articles. If you encounter this problem, click on the title of the article you want to read and it will take you to that article's page, which shows only that article without any intruders. 

New Columnists: The Beat continues to bring you new columnists. And check out the old faithfuls who continue to provide content.

Newsletter: If you opt in to the Join GCB Three Times Weekly Updates option above this to the right, you will be subscribed to email notifications with links to recently posted articles.

Submitting to the Beat

Those new to providing news releases to the Beat are asked to please check out submission guidelines at https://www.grantcountybeat.com/about/submissions. They are for your information to make life easier on the readers, as well as for the editor.

Advertising: Don't forget to tell advertisers that you saw their ads on the Beat.

Classifieds: We have changed Classifieds to a simpler option. Check periodically to see if any new ones have popped up. Send your information to editor@grantcountybeat.com and we will post it as soon as we can. Instructions and prices are on the page.

Editor's Notes

It has come to this editor's attention that people are sending information to the Grant County Beat Facebook page. Please be aware that the editor does not regularly monitor the page. If you have items you want to send to the editor, please send them to editor@grantcountybeat.com. Thanks!

Here for YOU: Consider the Beat your DAILY newspaper for up-to-date information about Grant County. It's at your fingertips! One Click to Local News. Thanks for your support for and your readership of Grant County's online news source—www.grantcountybeat.com

Feel free to notify editor@grantcountybeat.com if you notice any technical problems on the site. Your convenience is my desire for the Beat.  The Beat totally appreciates its readers and subscribers!  

Compliance: Because you are an esteemed member of The Grant County Beat readership, be assured that we at the Beat continue to do everything we can to be in full compliance with GDPR and pertinent US law, so that the information you have chosen to give to us cannot be compromised.