April 15th, 2018: The Diener Canyon Fire (6,106 acres) is burning on Mount Sedgwick within the old fire scar from 2004. The Bluewater fire (2,532 acres) is located approximately 4 miles north of the Diener Canyon Fire on Salitre Mesa.
On Saturday afternoon firefighters engaged in a successful firing operation on the west end of the Diener Canyon Fire, taking advantage of lighter wind. Low intensity fire backed downhill to Forest Road 178, efficiently consuming light fuels in the process.
On the north side of the Bluewater Fire windrows of dead uprooted juniper trees were consumed and helicopters dropped water on flames in north side canyons where Ponderosa pine timber predominates.
Today, firefighters plan to complete a burn out between Forest Road 425 and the east flank of the Diener Canyon fire while conditions are favorable, in anticipation of Red Flag conditions on Monday. Fire crews will work directly on the fire’s edge on the Bluewater Fire. Three helicopters are available to assist in these efforts. Structure Protection crews will continue to assess preparation needs in the La Jara subdivision.
Residents of Bluewater Acres, Bluewater Village/Plano Colorado Estates and La Jara subdivisions continue to be under a pre-evacuation notice. In the event of an evacuation, an evacuation center is located at Grants High School, and the Grants Rodeo Grounds can be used to house livestock.
Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health’s website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.
Fire investigators have determined that multiple spot fires from the Redondo Prescribed Burn started the Diener Canyon Fire.
A closure order has been issued for the Forest in the area of the wildfires. Bluewater Lake State Park is also closed to the public.
A Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire area is in place.
Bluewater and Diener Canyon Fire Information:
NM Fire Info webpage: nmfireinfo.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cibolanf/
Twitter: @cibola_nf
Bluewater Fire – Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5741/
Diener Canyon Fire – Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5742/