EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A fire burning on Mescalero Apache tribal land showed no growth during the past day, officials with the fire command team said on Saturday, June 21.
The Seven Springs Fire, burning near Mescalero, New Mexico, remained at 805 acres for the second day in a row, fire officials said. Zero containment is still being reported.
The fire is burning in what has been described as a remote part of Mescalero Apache land.
There are currently 256 firefighters on scene fighting the blaze. Resources include 10 crews, 13 engines, three helicopters, two water tenders and a bulldozer.
Fire officials are reporting that they are making good progress in constructing and improving handlines around the perimeter and securing hot spots outside the main body of the fire.
The fire started on Tuesday, June 17.
Firefighters conducted a small burnout operation to secure hot spots and an uneven fire edge.
Saturday, the goal will be to secure more fireline around the perimeter and improve existing firelines, fire officials said. As suppression resources advance around the fire, managers are ordering a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team for post-fire recovery efforts.
The forecast Saturday calls for sunny skies, giving way to mostly sunny with the potential for isolated showers/storms in the afternoon. There will be decreased relative humidities and increased winds causing “near critical fire weather” over the fire, fire officials said.
Temperatures will be in the 80- to 87-degree range with relative humidity dropping slightly to 16-21%. Winds will be southwest at 7-12 mph and could be gusty and erratic from near and distant storms.
Residents can expect to see smoke from the fire. Any smoke in the morning will likely be confined to drainages in the immediate fire area before afternoon winds develop. Motorists are urged to use caution when driving in the area.
The interior and unimproved dirt roads of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation are currently
closed to non-residents and unpermitted persons due to Stage 3 Fire Restrictions in place.
Evacuations have been lifted for Nogal Canyon and residents can return to their homes. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously as emergency vehicles will be operating in the area.
Charcoal grills and campfires are not allowed, except for dwellings with fireplaces or wood burning stoves equipped with proper screens. Fireworks are never permitted.
Read: Read More