Single Publication

 Acres: 412
 Cause: Downed power lines
 Containment: 70%
 Start Date: April 12, 2022
 Personnel: 117 
 Location/Origin: Nogal Canyon, west of Capitan
 Fuels: Ponderosa pine, pinon and juniper, grasses
 Structures burned: 6 primary, 8 outbuildings   

Highlights: Minimal fire activity and completed work has increased containment to 70%.  With objectives continuing to be met, the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2 (SWAIMT2) will begin to transition the fire to a Type 4 Command structure on Thursday morning at 7:00 am.  The SWAIMT2 will provide a final written update on Wednesday April 20th.

Operations:  Cold trailing continues in order to secure the fire perimeter where it makes sense and can be done safely given the steep, rugged terrain. Mop-up tactics and monitoring for hot spots is ongoing around private property and in areas where utility services are present.  Expect to see continued presence by the power company while they make repairs and re-energize power lines.  Yesterday, the final evacuated residents were able to return to their homes located within the fire perimeter. While aircraft was not needed for suppression actions yesterday, they remain available to provide support should the need arise.

Crews have begun to implement the suppression repair plan for the fire area. Fire suppression repair is a series of immediate post-fire actions taken to repair damages and minimize potential soil erosion and impacts resulting from fire suppression activities. This work usually begins before the fire is contained and before the demobilization of an Incident Management Team. This work repairs the hand and dozer fire lines, roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones and drop points used during fire suppression effort.

Evacuations: All evacuations have been lifted. Only residents will be permitted entry to access their homes. Hunters/Campers will not be allowed in the area until further notice.

Restrictions/Closures: Nogal Canyon remains closed to the public beyond 399 Canyon Rd at the forest boundary for both public and firefighter safety. Please respect the closure. With firefighters and utility companies working within the repopulated area, anyone driving in the area is asked to reduce their speed and turn on headlights for visibility.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place: Wildfires are a NO Drone Zone. Flying a drone (UAS – Unmanned Aerial System) within a TFR is illegal and impedes fire suppression efforts. Report drones to local law enforcement. If You Fly, We Can’t!

Weather: Dry, southwest winds are expected between 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Wednesday.

Smoke: Members of the public in the surrounding area may see smoke as fire moves through unburned vegetation.

Fire Information: Public Phone Line 505-356-2636   Media Phone Line 505-445-8278  Phone Lines open 8am-8pm           

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8062/

NM Fire Information: https://nmfireinfo.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NogalCanyonFire2022