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Current Conditions
Guacamalla Fire, Jemez Ranger District
Update September 12, 2011
Today residents from north of Albuquerque to Jemez Springs are expected to see minimal smoke from the Guacamalla Fire approximately 5 miles east of Ponderosa, NM. The fire received much in direct rainfall over the weekend and as a result, is not creating as much smoke as in previous days. Because of the increased moisture level, the fire continues to burn slowly with low spread potential. The east side of the Guacamalla fire abuts the west side of the Las Conchas Fire burn area, and is not likely to spread into the burn area. Presently, the fire has burned 623 acres and is holding north of Forest Road 266 and south of Forest Road 271. Wildland firefighters are continuing to monitor the fire.
Current and predicted weather conditions (cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity levels especially at night) continue to aid firefighters.
Fire officials continue to manage the fire by using a confinement strategy within the forest road system utilizing Forest Road 266 to the south, Forest Road 191 to the east, Forest Road 271 to the north, and natural barriers to the west. This type of response is used to protect firefighters. In fire management, firefighter safety is a top priority. The fire is located within a remote area with rough terrain that is steep in some areas but mostly accessible by foot. Fire officials began searching for the fire on August 18 following heavy rains that prevented earlier entry into the area. Continued rains hampered firefighter's ability to locate the fire until August 24. Firefighters were then transported to the fire by one fire engine, two trucks, and two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Fire Name: Guacamalla Fire
Time/Date Reported: Afternoon of August 17th
Time/Date Discovered: Afternoon of August 18th by aircraft
Location: 5 miles east of Ponderosa
Legal Description: T17N, R3E, Sec. 1
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Slash, ponderosa pine, mixed conifer
Size: 623 acres
Containment: 10%
Resources Committed: 25 personnel, 1 engine
Threats: No structures are threatened
Spread Potential: Low
Smoke: Smoke is minimal, but may at times be visible from Northern Albuquerque, Bernalillo, Jemez Springs, Gilman, Jemez Pueblo, San Ysidro, Zia Pueblo, Ponderosa, Cañones and portions of State Hwy. 550, and Rio Rancho. In the evenings, smoke settles into low lying areas, including drainages; however, lifts by mid-morning when the sun rises. Residents near the wildfire who live in low-lying areas may wish to keep their windows closed at night. Information on wildland fire smoke and your health can be found on the New Mexico Department of Health's website at: http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/aqb/documents/Health_Effects_Smoke_06152010.pdf
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