While they make for some gorgeous skies, the two fires outside of Santa Fe have been steadily breaking my heart over the last several days. Here’s where both fires stood as of late last night via NM Fire Info.
Acres: 9441
Cause: downed power line
Start Date: May 30, 2013
Containment: 24%
Location: 10 miles North of Pecos, NM
Fuels: Timber
Total personnel: 931
Terrain: steep, rugged
The Thompson Fire
Acres: 10,400
Start date: May 31, 2013
Cause: Downed powerline
Location: Valles Caldera National Preserve, NM
Containment: 5 percent
Fuels: Mixed conifer and Ponderosa pine
Terrain: Steep, rugged
Resources: 23 crews, 36 engines, 8 water tenders, 2 dozer
Total personnel: 816
Available air support: 3 airtankers, 6 helicopters
Looks to me like we need to assess our power lines and easements in the mountains. Holy hell.
Fire season always breaks my heart. While I understand that fire is a natural part of our world and it serves an amazing role in helping to manage our forests (and on a much smaller scale, keep us warm and warm our food), the destructive nature of it terrifies me. And I won’t even get into the fears and possibilities of it encroaching on towns, homes, humans, animals and habitats.
So, with puffy eyes, a sore throat and a headache this morning from all the smoke, I just want to acknowledge everyone who is working to put out these fires (and all that came before, and all that have yet to come) as well as all of the people within the direct communities and surrounding areas who are helping their friends and neighbors. We’re all in this together.
xoxo,
M
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Thank you, Bill. It’s been a rough season already.
Sorry about the fires, but the photos are beautiful.