By: ABQ RAW Staff
Posted on: 06/13/2023 @ 2:05PM
Helicopter Works the 10K Fire
The “10K Fire” was first reported on June 12, 2023 at 1:30PM. The cause is still under investigation. A recent update reported that the size of the fire had grown from 0.25 acres to 3.5 acres. The approximate location of the fire is West of the 10K Trail, North of NM Hwy 536, and East of the Ellis Trailhead.
Resources on scene include two Helicopters, Cibola National Forest personnel including Sandia Ranger District, Mt. Taylor Hotshots, Payette NF Severity Engine and NM State Police. The strategy for the 10K Fire is full suppression. Firefighters will work today to secure all fire lines and spots. They will use water support from helicopters as needed. The fires is reportedly 0% contained, but all fire lines are being reinforced today.
The structures at risk still include the communication towers on the Sandia Crest as well as numerous Forest Service Infrastructure. At this time, the fire is not a threat to any communities, and there are no evacuations currently in effect.
The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public are asked to please stay away from 10K Fire operations. NM Hwy 536 (Sandia Crest Hwy), 10K Trail and Ellis Trail may be impacted by fire traffic and operations. Vehicle and foot traffic is strongly discouraged on NM 536 (Sandia Crest Highway), 10K and Ellis Trails.
***Flying a drone near a wildfire is dangerous and it can cost lives. When people fly drones near wildfires, fire response agencies ground their aircraft to avoid the potential for a midair collision. Suspending air operations could decrease the effectiveness of firefighting efforts to suppress the wildfire, allowing wildfires to grow larger, and threaten lives, property, and valuable natural resources. The public is politely reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”***
Smoke may be visible within a 50 mile radius of the 10K Fire. Smoke-sensitive individuals are encouraged to take precautionary measures.
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.
Video Credit: Charles Sullivan