Update: Cienigita Fire on Mescalero Reservation - June 5, 2022 at 8:00 pm
Quick Facts
Cienegita Fire
Size: 37 acres
Containment: 25%
Road Closures: None
Evacuations in “Go”: None
Resources on the Fires: 3 IHCs, 4 helicopters and Type 3 Team
Total Personnel: Approx. 100
Jurisdiction: BIA, Mescalero Apache Agency
Managed by: Pecos Incident Management Team 3
IMT3 Incident Commander: J.W. McCoy
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8132/
Ruidoso, NM – The Cienegita Fire was ignited by lightning on June 3 after multiple lightning strikes hit the area. The fire is located approximately four miles northwest of the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation and is 37 acres with 25% contained. Hand crews and aircraft have stopped forward progress of the fire; resources are constructing handlines to enforce this containment. There are no mandatory evacuation notices in effect; however, Upper Canyon, Park Canyon and Brady Canyon, within the Village of Ruidoso, is in a state of readiness to evacuate, if necessary. Upper Canyon, Cedar Creek and Alpine Village, within Lincoln County, are also in a state of readiness. The fire is burning ponderosa pine, mixed conifer and timber litter in an area that is difficult and hazardous to access. This presents significant safety concerns for firefighters working to contain the fire. Hand crews and aircraft are working to stop the fire’s growth.
Evacuation Notices in “Ready”: If conditions allow, all notices will be lifted on the evening of June 5.
Village of Ruidoso Communities: Upper Canyon, Park Canyon, and Brady Canyon. Contact Ruidoso Fire Chief, Joe Kasuboski, 575-626-1036.
Lincoln County communities: Upper Canyon, Cedar Creek and Alpine Village: Contact: Lincoln County Fire & Emergency Services Director Joseph Kenmore, 575-808-1381.
Management Objective: To contain the fire’s perimeter within the smallest footprint possible while ensuring public and firefighter safety.
Operational Update: The fire was active yesterday with some uphill runs. Multiple air tankers dropped retardant through thick timbered canopy to hold the fire in check while firefighters construct containment lines. The South Fork area does have some spot fires which firefighters are focusing efforts to contain. The forward progress of the fire was halted, and control lines were held overnight due to the hard work of hand crews. An additional hand crew will assist with reinforcing these containment lines.
Resources on the Fire: Smokey Bear Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC), Idaho IHC, two Type 1 helicopters, one Type 2 helicopter, one Type 3 helicopter, and Pecos Incident Management Team Type 3. Lone Peak IHC arrived today and is on the scene.
Weather: In the high 80s with light gusts of wind. The weather is favorable for aircraft to operate over the fire to drop water and fire retardant.
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always our priority. Please stay away from the fire area to allow fire personnel to perform their duties.
Primary and Cooperating Agencies: Mescalero Tribal President and Staff, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mescalero Conservation Office, and other cooperating entities.
A fire update will be released when significant activity occurs. Visit InciWeb for the most current fire information.
Contact: Lessa Peter
Phone: 986-200-1941
Email: lessa.peter@bia.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8132/
Facebook: @BIA.Mescalero.Forestry.Fire
At this time, the west end of the Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, and Perk Canyon remain on READY status out of an abundance of caution. See the link below for more information on the READY, SET, GO! tiered evacuation readiness plan.
Learn more about the New Mexico READY, SET, GO! tiered evacuation program.
