Tres Lagunas and Thompson Ridge fires in New Mexico
Two fires in New Mexico which started within a day of each other continue to plague residents around Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The Tres Lagunas Fire
From the Inciweb: "Over the next few days, residents living in Gallinas Canyon and other areas east of the fire may see an increase in smoke in the late afternoon or early evening coming from the east side of the fire. This will be due to a burnout operation that may occur in the next few days east of Cow Creek and west of Forest Road 92, just east of the cluster of small spots of fire in that area in the old Viveash fire scar. Downed logs and debris from that fire will contribute to the increase in smoke. This burnout operation will be key to clearing up unburned fuel in that area and providing more protection for the Gallinas Watershed. Crews have already cleared fuels along the road near the planned burnout operation and will be patrolling for any potential spot fires. Structure protection is ongoing in Holy Ghost Canyon. No structures have been lost or damaged."
At this time only 15% of the fire has been contained. Due to the nature and location the fire, the potential for growth of the fire is high. The cause of the fire is a downed power line.
The Thompson Ridge Fire
According to Inciweb: "This fire began on May 31 and the cause was human in nature. At present the fire is only 5% contained and is located on the Valles Caldera National Preserve about two miles northeast of La Cueva, New Mexico. The fire is in steep rugged terrain and is burning mixed conifer and ponderosa pine. Crews are conducting burnout operations in the southwest corner of the fire and were also engaged in preparing structure protection around private buildings in Sulfur and Sulfur Springs subdivisions.
The growth potential for this fire is listed as high due to the location, terrain, and current weather conditions.
This true-color image was captured by NASA's Terra satellite on June 04, 2013. Actively burning areas, detected by MODIS's thermal bands, are outlined in red.
Provided by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
