Las Tusas – San Miguel County – Update Final

Cool temperatures and light precipitation over the fire area yesterday gave firefighters a boost in securing the line, bringing containment of the fire to 90%. Suppression repair is continuing as firefighters work to fully contain the fire. Fire traffic is still present near the fire and fire managers ask that the public be aware of fire vehicles entering the roads. Moisture and increased humidity are projected to linger throughout the week. Command of the fire will be transitioned back to the New Mexico Forestry Division on Wednesday, May 16, 2023, at 6:00 am. Incident Commander Luke McLarty and the Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team would like to thank the public for their cooperation and support for the firefighters during this incident. This will be the last update from the team unless significant changes occur. 

Start date:  May 10, 2023 

Location:  West of Sapello, NM approximately 12 miles north of Las Vegas, NM 

Cause:  Unknown, under investigation 

Size: 978 acres, acreage changed due to more accurate measurement via onsite GPS mapping.      

Percent Contained:  90% 

Resources:  2 Hotshot crews, 1 Type 2 IA Handcrew, 2 dozers, 6 engines, 1 Type 3 Helicopter.  

Evacuations: Evacuations have been lifted. The Red Cross Evacuation Center at Abe Montoya Recreation Center and Storrie Lake are no longer evacuation centers. 

Closures: Law enforcement is assisting with a traffic control presence in the area. Onlooker traffic has been heavy throughout the week.   

Smoke: Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html.   An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.  

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website. The Forest Stewards Guild offers a HEPA Filter Loan Program that are available on a first come/first served basis. Additional information on air filters and the HEPA loan program is posted at http://www.santafefireshed.org/hepa-filter-loan-program#smokeanchor3. 

Fire updates will be posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website, as well as the NM State Forestry Division Twitter. 

George Ducker 

Communications Coordinator 

New Mexico State Forestry Division – EMNRD