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: 47%
Area Vegetation: Mixed spruce, ponderosa pine
Ownership(s): Federal and private
Cause of Fire: Under investigation
Structures Threatened: No
Structures Burned: No
Evacuations: No
The Luna Fire located north of Chacon on the Camino Real Ranger District, Carson National Forest, is now 47% contained and remains estimated at 10,142 acres. No structures are threatened. A warmer weather pattern is forecast for the next 5-7 days, which will begin to melt off snow and dry out fuels. An infrared flight is scheduled for tonight (10/29) to detect hot spots within the fire area. Fire managers will also try to access the area today on the ground to determine a course of action moving forward. The Forestry Division, Carson National Forest, and the Type 1 Incident Management Team (IMT) will decide when it safe for firefighters to re-engage the fire and complete containment. Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect on the Carson National Forest until further notice to reduce the risk of human-caused fires.
The IMT will not hold a virtual public meeting this evening. Fire information will be posted on the Carson National Forest Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNF and the New Mexico Fire Information website https://nmfireinfo.com/. The New Mexico After-Wildfire Guide can be accessed at https://afterwildfirenm.org/current.
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/.