WHITE FIRE NEWS RELEASE
April 5, 2011 10:30 AMAcres: 10,089 Start Date: April 3, 2011
A decrease in winds and cooler weather yesterday, along with assistance from air support, allowed firefighters to make significant progress on the White Fire. The fire is located north of Ruidoso Downs and west of Forest Road 120.
Cause: Under Investigation. Location: North of Ruidoso Downs, NM
Containment: 20% Fuels. Type: Piñon/Juniper, brush/grass
Terrain: Steep and Rugged. Resources: 5 Type 1 Crew; 7 Type 2 Crews; 2 Helicopters; 16 Engines; 5 Dozers
Total Personnel: 401 Structures: 5 homes lost with numerous outbuildings
Injuries: NoneToday, crews will continue patrolling and conducting mop up operations, searching for and extinguishing any smoldering spots along the fire area near affected subdivisions and along NM Highway 70. Travelers are cautioned to drive carefully along NM Hwy 70, due to an increase in fire traffic.
Warmer conditions and slightly stronger wind speeds are expected today potentially increasing fire behavior where the fire is more active along the northwest flank.
Increase in acreage is due to accurate GIS mapping conducted during an aerial view of the fire yesterday.All evacuations were lifted on Monday and school activities are scheduled to resume normal operations today.
Smoke will become more visible from the town of Ruidoso and surrounding areas this afternoon towards the northeast area of the White Fire as temperature trends become warmer and winds from the southwest increase.
For further information on the White Fire, call the fire information center at 575-257-3473 from 7 am to 9 pm or visit http://www.nmfireinfo.com. Residents interested in receiving updates on this and other fires throughout New Mexico can also follow @nmfireinfo on twitter.com.
Progress always involves risks. You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first.~ Frederick Wilcox
