Single Publication

Cause: Unknown        

Size: Remains at 15-20 acres

Location: Datil Mountains, Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs). Fire start was 3 miles northwest of Datil. Officials are currently present to monitor traffic on HWY 60.

Containment: 0%

Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass.

Fire behavior: The Pine Park Fire is exhibiting moderate fire behavior with isolated torching.

Weather: Current conditions: Above normal temperatures with humidity at 23%, 10 mile visibility and drought conditions. Winds are 8 mph to the south. https://www.weather.gov/. Forecast: High wind warning in effect for April 22 at 0900 to April 23 1200 am.

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

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.