Single Publication

QUEMADO, NM, July 9, 2024 – The Lolo Fire transitioned to a type 3 incident management team on Monday and is estimated at 378 acres in the Quemado Ranger District. The fire is located between Escondido Mountain and the Continental Divide Trail, roughly 6 miles northeast of Quemado Lake. 

“Currently, there are no area closures in place for the fire,” said Quemado District Ranger Randall Chavez. “But for the safety of the public and crews, we would appreciate it if they would avoid the immediate area for firefighting efforts.”

The fire started in a remote location on a knob at the top of Lolo Canyon and crews were supported with helicopter operations in areas that were inaccessible. Since the fire’s start date, it has moved north/northeast and crested over the rim and is backing down into accessible terrain to the east where fire crews are able to engage it. Crews have stopped forward progress along the southern perimeter and will continue to secure that edge. More favorable weather and fuels conditions are needed before fire crews can engage the northern perimeter The confine and contain strategy is still being applied using area roads and natural features to limit the fire’s spread.

A variety of tactics will be used to contain the fire. This may include using hand line to eliminate fuels along planned perimeters, protection of range infrastructure, hand ignitions, and other suppression tactics as changing conditions require to protect values at risk and bring low- to moderate-intensity fire out to control features and establish containment.

Smoke will be visible from Quemado, Quemado Lake Estates, and Pie Town, and is likely to settle into low lying areas during overnight and early morning hours. When smoke impacts are present, New Mexico Department of Health recommends that smoke sensitive individuals should reduce physical activity and stay indoors with windows and doors closed. For those who are unable to avoid smoke exposure, use of a particulate respirator mask can help. Additional air quality information and health protection measures are posted online at NM-Tracking - Fires, Smoke and Health. Real-time mapping of smoke and other air quality impacts is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov.

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