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Update on Mitt Fire, Smokey Bear Ranger District

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Acres: .10

Start Date: June 12, 2024

Location: Capitan Mountains, East Mountain

Cause: Lightning

Containment: 0%

Fuels: Single tree snag with brush understory

Personnel: 1 Type-3 engine

ALAMOGORDO, New Mexico, June 13, 2024 – Crews remain on-scene at the Mitt Fire, a lighting-strike fire on East Mountain (Capitan Mountains) on the Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest. The wildfire was detected on June 12, 2024, and was caused by lightning. The location is 12 miles northeast of Capitan.

The wildfire remains at .10 acres. The fire is exhibiting low-spread potential, and the probability of impacting values is low.

Smoke may be visible from Capitan, Alto, and Ruidoso.

In fire-adapted ecosystems, all options are considered, and at this time, a confine/contain strategy of using natural barriers based on values at risk and potential spread is the preferred option. The steep terrain and surrounding rock scree (loose and broken rock on steep terrain) make it unsafe to engage in the current location. Natural land features are also providing good barriers for the wildfire.

This area historically received multiple lightning strikes per year, and personnel will continue to conduct surveillance throughout the Forest to monitor for any potential lightning-caused wildfires in the area.

The next update will be provided tomorrow.

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Stay safe – stay cool: Heat advisory issued before official start of summer 

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SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) urges New Mexicans to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses as much of the state warms up again this mid-week. Temperatures are forecasted to reach 105°F and higher in the southern parts of the state and to reach 100°F in Albuquerque and Farmington on Thursday.  

“We continue to see an increase in heat illnesses in New Mexico. Since April 1 there have been at least 224 heat-related visits to emergency departments around New Mexico,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for NMHealth. “Protect yourself and others when it’s hot outside by staying cool, staying hydrated and knowing the symptoms.” 

Heat-related illness symptoms include: 

  • Cold, pale and clammy skin. 
  • Fast, weak pulse. 
  • Nausea or vomiting. 
  • Muscle cramps. 
  • Tiredness or weakness. 
  • Dizziness. 
  • Headache. 
  • Fainting (passing out). 
  • Heavy sweating. 

Here are precautions everyone should take, especially people at high risk of heat-related illnesses: outdoor workers, young children and infants, adults over 65 years old, people with existing chronic health conditions or without access to air conditioning. 

  • Staying cool inside and/or in shade where possible. 
  • Keeping window shades drawn during the day to help keep the heat out. 
  • Drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol. (Just as water hydrates you, alcohol dehydrates you.) 
  • Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. 
  • Scheduling outdoor activities for cooler times of the day. 
  • Pacing yourself. 
  • Never leaving children or pets in the car.  
  • Having a plan to get somewhere with air conditioning, such as a library or friend’s house especially for older adults and people with medical needs. 
  • Helping people who have limited capacity to understand how to avoid heat-related illness. 

You can find more information at NM-Tracking – Heat-Related Illness and check the recently released heat-related illness dashboard to get current information on heat-related emergency departments visits.  To track your heat risk, the National Weather Service (NWS) HeatRisk map and the NWS/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s HeatRisk tool also provide forecasts of heat-related impacts. 

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