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

Cause of Fire: Under investigation

Area Vegetation: Mixed spruce, ponderosa pine

Estimated Acres Burned: 6,385

Ownership(s): Federal and private

Structures Threatened: Yes. Values at risk include the communities of Angel Fire, Black Rock, Chacon, Valle Escondido, and Guadalupita.

Structures Burned: NO

Evacuations: Yes. Voluntary only at this time
The Luna Fire, located two miles north of Chicon on the Carson National Forest, Camino Real Ranger District is now estimated at 6,385 acres after more accurate GPS mapping. According to the Carson National Forest, some voluntary evacuations have taken place in the areas of Luna Canyon, Black Canyon, and Guadalupita. Due to the complexity of this fire, a Type 1 Incident Management Team is scheduled to take over operations in the coming days. The current focus is on firefighter and public safety.

Unseasonably dry and warmer conditions, low fuel moisture levels, and wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour are contributing to extreme fire behavior and the fire is expected to grow. Approximately 87 personnel are working to suppress the fire, including two crews from the Forestry Division Returning Heroes Program. Air resources will continue to provide support with both water and fire retardant drops, weather permitting. Smoke will be visible from 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.

For more information contact Carson National Forest Public Affairs Officer MaryAnna Clemons at MaryAnna.Clemons@usda.gov or Santa Fe National Forest Public Affairs Officer Julie Anne Overton at julieanne.overton@usda.gov. Details will also be posted to the New Mexico Fire Information website at https://nmfireinfo.com/.