Three Rivers Fire Update – May 3, 2021
Acres: 7,119
Percent Containment: 23%
Date/Time Detected: 8:42 am, April 26, 2021
Resources: 317
Vegetation: Grass, dead/down timber, mixed conifer
Cause: Unknown, under investigation
Origin/Location: ½ mile north of Three Rivers
Ruidoso, New Mexico, March 3, 2021 – Strong wind gusts yesterday tested the fire lines constructed by fire crews over the past several days. Fire lines withstood the test, and significant progress continues to be made in containing the Three Rivers Fire.
Before winds picked up yesterday, firefighters continued fire line reinforcement to increase containment percentage. With high winds making it unsafe for crews to be within the fire perimeter, crews focused on patrolling the fire’s edge while monitoring the fire and being readily available to respond to areas of concern.
Unburned pockets of fuel within the fire’s perimeter continue monitored, and firefighters will focus on pushing further inward to locate and cool more hot spots within the fire to further secure established fire lines.
Additionally, today’s cooler weather and possible precipitation will aid firefighters and allow them to continue to secure the fire perimeter. Structure protection crews will be scouting areas and pre-positioned to respond to any potential threats. As fire activity has dramatically decreased, some crews and equipment will begin to be released from the fire to support other fires in the region.
Most of the Lincoln National Forest is still open to visitors; however, the forest, the Mescalero Apache Tribal lands, and surrounding areas are currently under Fire Restrictions. A closure order has been issued for the White Mountains Wilderness. The purpose of the Order is to protect public health and safety during the Three Rivers Fire. See the links below for additional information on Fire Restrictions, Closures, and maps.
The public is reminded to avoid the use of unmanned aerial systems (drones) near wildfires. When drones are illegally flown over a fire, air operations can be suspended, and crews lose a valuable resource, which can adversely affect the safety and efficiency of the overall firefighting effort. For more information on drones, see https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/uas/if-you-fly, and Know Before You Fly!
ROAD CLOSURES
• Bonito Canyon Road past the Bonito Lake Dam
• Nogal Canyon Road past the Nogal Peak trailhead
• Three Rivers Trailhead and Campground
• Monjeau Lookout at Sierra Vista
CENTER HOURS: 8 am to 8 pm
Fire Information Public Phone Line: 575-386-5077
Fire Information Media Phone Line: 575-386-5108
Ready Set Go: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SFD/FireMgt/documents/FINAL-new-mexico-RSG-guide-2017_000.pdf
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7440/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThreeRiversFire2021
Lincoln National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln
Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/smoke-faq.html
