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Midnight Fire

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Unit Information

208 Cruz Alta Road 
Taos, 
87571 
208 Cruz Alta Road 
Taos, 
87571 

Incident Contacts

  • Public Affairs Officer
    Email:
    zachary.behrens@usda.gov
    Phone:
    575-758-6303
    Hours:
    M-F 9AM - 4PM

Midnight Fire Daily Update June 13, 2022

Midnight Fire
Publication Type: News 06/13/2022

Midnight Fire June 13, 2022, Daily Update, 08:00 AM

Acres: 3,944 | Containment: 0% | Total personnel: 225 | Start Date: June 9, 2022| Cause: Under Investigation | Location:  4.5 miles NNE of El Rito in Rio Arriba County | Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass 

Highlights: Firefighters were able to begin construction of direct fire line on both the east and west flanks of the fire, supported by four Super Scoopers and 12 Helicopters using both retardant and water to check the spread of the fire.

Operations: Last night, resources were able to initiate a burn operation using established road systems on the southern edge of the fire. The burn operation was successful, and crews were able to transition to a patrol and monitor status. Along Forest Road 44, crews were able to successfully check the spread of the fire from moving east. Dozer line was constructed on the east side of the fire and is progressing to the north. A fire scar from a 2019 managed fire is providing firefighters good control features along the eastern flank of the fire. On the west side of flank of the fire, crews were able to begin construction on direct hand line with support from aviation. A night shift is in place and will be present to monitor the fire overnight and is prepared to continue with burning operations if the opportunity presents itself.  

Today, crews can expect the potential for increased fire behavior with high winds and atmospheric instability. In areas where burn operations were completed, firefighters will patrol and monitor the perimeters checking for any heat and ensuring the line remains secure. On the west side of the fire, direct line construction will continue, building to the north with support from aviation. To the north, crews will work to improve and hold the direct lines established on Sunday. To the east, the completed dozer lines will be patrolled throughout the day. 

Evacuations: To view real-time evacuation information around the Midnight Fire, visit: tinyurl.com/midnightfiremap. For emergency alerts in Rio Arriba County, sign up here: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/6807. The Ready, Set, Go evacuation guide is available in English and Spanish here: https://tinyurl.com/RSGNM. For disaster assistance resources, visit: https://www.nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/.  

Weather: Continued hot and dry weather will persist today and through the weekend, bringing Red Flag weather conditions on Monday. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-80s with 15-40% relative humidity and a small chance of isolated thunderstorms. Winds will be out of the west-northwest today with sustained winds around 13 mph and gusts to 25 mph.

Air Quality: Complimentary mobile HEPA air filter units are available to nearby smoke sensitive residents. They can be checked out at the El Rito Ranger Station. Call 575.581.4554 to reserve a mobile HEPA air filter. The units are courtesy of the Forest Stewards Guild and the Carson National Forest.

Closures and Restrictions: The Carson National Forest has been under Stage 3 fire restrictions, which closes the Forest, since May 17.

Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-445-3203 | Email: 2022.midnight@firenet.gov Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8147/  | https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNF