The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on a wildfire that is requiring the attention of local, state, and federal resources in New Mexico. 

Date/Time/Situation: This morning the Alien Fire is 20% contained, and has burned approximately 25-30 acres, which is adecrease from yesterday’s estimated number. All lines held overnight, and today crews are working to improve and insert new line where needed. Visible smoke has significantly decreased, but there are still scattered pockets of heat and smoke visible throughout the fire. Heavy equipment is improving line which may allow UTV access, but so far crews have hiked in and there is not access for engines at this point. Work has commenced on ordering an investigator to determine the fire’s cause, which as of now is undetermined. The Alien Fire was discovered on September 22 at 2:30 p.m. and is located on the Creston Ridge just west of Las Vegas. 

Resources: A total of 15 personnel are responding to the fire, including crews from Forestry Division, the US Forest Service, the City of Las Vegas and City of Santa Fe, San Miguel County, Cochiti Lake, and Angel Fire.

Weather: Temperatures are 71 degrees, with winds at 5 mph from the south. Relative humidity is 19%. Today calls for a high near 79. Breezy, with a west wind increasing to 20-25 mph this afternoon. Tonight, partly cloudy, with a low around 49. West wind 15-20 mph becoming north 5-10 mph in the evening.

Evacuations: Evacuations have been lifted and there are no structures threatened. 

Safety: Please stay out of the fire area to allow crews safe access to the fire.

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 athttps://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.

Internet/ Social Media: The public can continue to follow fires in New Mexico on InciWeb, and New Mexico Fire Information. Fires can also be viewed through the New Mexico Forest & Watershed Institute’s Fire Viewer.