Fire managers said all existing direct and indirect containment lines are currently holding, while crews continue strengthening mechanized lines using chipping and mastication operations.
Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Mexico Forestry Division (via Facebook)
Photos: Courtesy
Wildfires continue burning across multiple regions of the United States as drought conditions, dry vegetation and shifting winds create dangerous fire conditions heading into Memorial Day weekend.
According to a May 15 update from the National Interagency Fire Center, large fires are currently burning in California, New Mexico, Florida and Minnesota, while numerous smaller fires remain active nationwide.
Santa Rosa Island fire, the largest wildfire in the state of California at over 16,000 acres.
Officials said more than 50,000 residents across the country have already been forced to evacuate because of wildfires so far this month.
Among the most significant fires nationally is the Santa Rosa Island Fire in California’s Channel Islands National Park, where more than 16,000 acres have burned. Officials say over one-third of the island has been affected, including two historic sites.
The island, sometimes referred to as the “Galapagos of the U.S.,” is home to rare plants and wildlife species found nowhere else on Earth. Officials said the fire is believed to be human caused and several National Park Service employees required rescue operations during the incident.
Meanwhile in New Mexico, firefighters continue battling the Seven Cabins Fire burning in the Capitan Mountain Wilderness.
According to Thursday’s update from the New Mexico Forestry Division and Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1, the fire has now grown to 16,703 acres with 834 personnel assigned to the incident.
Containment remains at 6 percent.
Officials said additional crews, engines, helicopters and heavy equipment continue arriving to strengthen containment lines and maintain structure protection in threatened areas.
“With the slight relief in the weather, firefighters and aircraft began offensive firing operations,” Thursday’s update stated.
Those operations are designed to remove fuels ahead of the fire and strengthen indirect containment lines surrounding the incident.
Fire managers said all existing direct and indirect containment lines are currently holding, while crews continue strengthening mechanized lines using chipping and mastication operations.
The Seven Cabins Fire, which began May 14, is also believed to be human caused and continues burning through heavy dead fuels in the Peppin burn scar area.
Officials said weather conditions Thursday could provide some assistance to firefighting efforts as shifting winds are expected to help slow the fire’s spread by pushing portions of the fire back onto previously burned areas.
Smoke conditions, however, are expected to remain visible in communities southeast of the incident, including the Arabela area.
Evacuation orders also remain in effect. GO status evacuations continue from State Highway 246 to the ridge top of the Capitan Mountains between mile marker 13 and Boy Scout Mountain, while SET status evacuations remain in place north of Highway 246 in the same general area.
Fire officials also renewed warnings about drones and holiday traffic entering the area during firefighting operations.
“If you fly, we can’t,” the update stated, noting that all firefighting aircraft must be grounded whenever unauthorized drones enter restricted airspace.
An updated forest closure remains in effect around the Capitan Mountains wilderness area, including Baca Campground and surrounding trail systems. Stage 1 fire restrictions also remain in place across the area.
As Memorial Day travel increases statewide, officials urged drivers to remain alert near fire zones where firefighting crews and equipment continue operating along roadways.
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