EMNRD-FORESTRY DIVISION
Incident Name: East Well Fire
Start Date & Time: August 20, 2020 - 2324 hrs
Start Location: near Claunch, NM, Socorro County, 20 miles south of Mountainair, NM
Latitude: 34° 14' 2.47" N
Longitude: 106° 15' 9.37"
Cause of Fire: Lightning
Area Vegetation: Pinon, juniper, grass
Estimated Acres Burned: 721
Ownership(s): State
Structures Threatened: NO
Structures Burned: NO
Evacuations: NO
The East Well Fire located near Claunch, NM in Socorro County is currently estimated at 701 acres. No structures are threatened. Lower overnight temperatures and higher relative humidity moderated fire behavior through the morning hours. Activity is expected to increase with afternoon heating. Today, firefighters will conduct burnout operations to reduce the amount of available fuel to the main fire. Crews will continue to secure containment lines utilizing heavy equipment and handline. Additional equipment and ground crew resources are arriving today bringing the total number of personnel to approximately 100. Smoke may continue to be seen during the day from the surrounding communities and potentially impact low lying areas overnight and in the morning. 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. Fire updates will also be posted to nmfireinfo.com.