Las Tunas Fire 051223

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 12 May 2023 12 May 2023

Wildfire Information

EMNRD-FORESTRY DIVISION 

Incident Name: Las Tusas fire 

Start Date & Time:  May 11, 2023  

Start Location: Hwy 266 in Las Tusas area 

Cause of Fire:  Unknown, under investigation  

Area Vegetation: Timber, Brush, Grass 

Acres Burned: 969 acres, acreage reduced due to more accurate mapping via GPS by aircraft.    

Percent Contained:  0%   

Ownership(s): Private 

Structures Threatened: Yes 

Structures Burned: Yes 

Evacuations: Yes 

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Air tankers and helicopters were utilized to aid firefighting efforts to suppress the Las Tusas fire. Firefighters worked overnight to secure the perimeter taking advantage of lower winds and cooler temperatures. They will continue to secure the fire edge and mop up any potential threats to the fire line as well as implementing structure protection tactics to protect homes in the fire area.   

The Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the Las Tusas Fire at 6:00 am May 11, 2023. The Las Tusas Fire started on Wednesday May 10, 2023, and fire managers have implemented a full suppression strategy. The fire is located on private land west of Sapello, NM in San Miguel County, north of Las Vegas, NM. Firefighters have confirmed that structures were lost to the Las Tusas Fire. The number of structures burned is still being assessed. Emergency responders from the San Miguel County Sherriff’s Office are currently in the area assessing damage.    

Resources: 3 Hotshot crews, 1 Type 2 IA Handcrew, 4 dozers, 18 engines, 5 water tenders, 3 Type 3 Helicopters. Fire managers are also utilizing aircraft with infrared capabilities to locate hotspots and provide better estimates of the fire size.  

Evacuations: Evacuations are in place for Highway 94 residents from Canoncito to the intersection of Highway 266 and 94. The following are places that evacuees can go to.  

– Abe Montoya Recreation Center, 1751 N Grand Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701.    

– Storrie Lake State Park, 3 Esequiel C De Baca LN, Las Vegas, NM 87701  
  
Closures: HWY 94 is closed to A4A. HWY 266 to Las Tusas is closed.   

Smoke: Individuals 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.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.  

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website. The Forest Stewards Guild offers a HEPA Filter Loan Program that are available on a first come/first served basis. Additional information on air filters and the HEPA loan program is posted at http://www.santafefireshed.org/hepa-filter-loan-program#smokeanchor3.  

Fire updates will be posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website, as well as the NM State Forestry Twitter.  

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