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: 10,142

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, remains 27% contained and estimated at 10,142 acres. Approximately 3 to 6 inches of snow fell over the fire area on Monday (10/26). The moisture content of the snow is very low and will not put the fire out. Heavy fuels, already parched from the ongoing drought, will retain heat, continue to smolder, and likely re-ignite in the coming days. Firefighter safety is a top priority, and due to the current weather conditions, crews have been released until the weather changes over the next 3 to 5 days. Fire managers from the Forestry Division, Carson National Forest, and the Type 1 Incident Management Team (IMT) are working together to determine when it is safe to re-engage the fire. Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect on the Carson National Forest until further notice to reduce the risk of human-caused fires.

No structures are threatened at this time. A voluntary evacuation notice for Luna Canyon has been lifted and no other evacuation orders are in place. The California Incident Management Team 5 (IMT) will hold a virtual public meeting Wednesday, October 28th starting at 7:00 p.m. on the Carson National Forest Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNF.

The fire will continue to smolder with heavy pockets of fuels producing light 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/.