Single Publication

Pine Park Fire - April 22 - EVENING UPDATE

Datil Mountains

Reported start date / time: April 21, 2022 - 1400

Cause: Unknown        

Size: 31.6 acres.

Location: Datil Mountains, Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs). Fire start was 3 miles northwest of Datil.

Containment: 50%

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass.

Fire behavior: The Pine Park Fire is exhibiting minimal fire behavior.

Weather: Current conditions: Above normal temperatures with humidity at 7%, 10-mile visibility and drought conditions. Winds are 40 mph from the southwest with gusts of 48 mph. Forecast: High wind warning in effect until April 23, 1200. Southwest winds 40 to 55 mph with gusts up to 75 mph possible. Turning west and decreasing 30 to 40 mph with occasional gusts to 65 through the evening hours. https://www.weather.gov/.

Resources on scene: 65 firefighters from the Cibola National Forest, Datil, Horse Mountain, Pie Town and Quemado Fire Departments are on scene with 6 Type 6 Engines, 1 Type 2 Handcrew, 1 Type 2 Modules, Type 3 Helicopter, Overhead, Air Tankers, Water Tenders, and Retardant Drops.

Strategy: Crews continue to secure the fire edge. The strategy for the Pine Park Fire is full suppression.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should stay away from Pine Park Fire operations.

Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease.
The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”

Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Datil, Pie Town, Alamo and Magdalena. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. 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 nmtracking.org

All fire updates will be posted on the  Cibola NF & NGs website, New Mexico Fire Information website, and the Cibola NF & NGs Facebook  & Twitter pages.

For more information on Pine Park Fire contact:

Magdalena Ranger District Office: 575-854-2281

Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505-346-3900